Tag Archives: The Specials

Terry Hall

On December 19, 2022, Terence Edward Hall died aged 63. He was singer and song-writer, member of The Coventry Automatics, Terry, Blair & Anouchka, The Colourfield, Vegas and Fun Boy Three, but was best known as member and the lead singer of The Specials. He also collaborated with Dave Stewart, Tricky, D12, Sinead o’Connor, Stephen Duffy, Dub Pistols, Bananarama, The Lightning Seeds, Lily Allen, Shakespears Sisters and Damon Albarn.

Emmanuel “Rico” Rodriguez

On September 4, 2015, Emmanuel “Rico” Rodriguez died aged 80. He was musician (trombone), one of the first and most distinguished reggae and ska artists. He has formed the group Rico and the Rudies, and has recorded and performed with many famous musicians and producers including Karl Pitterson,  Prince Buster, Lloyd “Matador” Daley, Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, Bob Marley, Toots & the Maytals, Delroy Washington , Burning Spear, The Specials,  Jools Holland, Dennis Bovell, Ian Dury, Chas Jankel, Joan Armatrading, John Martyn, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Steel Pulse and Paul Young. In 2007, he was awarded an  “MBE”  (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to music. For his contribution to Jamaican music, in 2012 he was awarded the “Silver Musgrave Medal” by the “Institute of Jamaica”.

The Specials AKA: In The Studio

In June 1984, “2 Tone Records” label released “In the Studio” the third Specials AKA (The) (The Specials) album. It was recorded 1983 – 1984, and was produced by Jerry Dammers.

Personnel:

  • Stan Campbell – vocals
  • Rhoda Dakar– vocals
  • John Shipley – lead guitar
  • Roddy Radiation – vocals, lead guitar
  • Jerry Dammers– vocals, organ, piano
  • Gary McManus – bass guitar
  • Horace Panter– bass guitar
  • John Bradbury– drums
  • Edgio Newton – vocals, percussion
  • Nigel Reeve – saxophone
  • Dick Cuthell– flugelhorn
  • Claudia Fontaine– backing vocals
  • Caron Wheeler– backing vocals
  • David Storey – design
  • Adrian Thrills – sleeve notes

Track listing:

All tracks by Jerry Dammers except where noted.

  1. Bright Lights – John Bradbury, Stan Campbell, Dick Cuthell, Jerry Dammers
  2. The Lonely Crowd – Stan Campbell, Jerry Dammers, John Shipley
  3. What I Like Most About You Is Your Girlfriend
  4. Housebound
  5. Night on the Tiles – Jerry Dammers, John Shipley
  6. (Free) Nelson Mandela
  7. War Crimes
  8. Racist Friend – John Bradbury, Dick Cuthell, Jerry Dammers
  9. Alcohol
  10. Break Down the Door – John Bradbury, Dick Cuthell, Jerry Dammers

Capitol Records

Capitol Records

On June 4, 1942, “Capitol Records” was founded by Johnny Mercer, Buddy DeSylva, and Glenn Wallichs. Over the decades, the label became home to artists such as Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent, Bobby Darin, Glen Campbell, Steve Miller, Dr. Hook, Bob Seger, Tina Turner, Heart,  Nat King Cole, the Four Knights, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Stan Kenton, June Christy, Louis Prima, Keely Smith, the Louvin Brothers, Judy Garland, the Andrews Sisters, Harry James, Andy Griffith, Shirley Bassey, the Kingston Trio, Dean Martin, The Four Freshmen, Helen Reddy, Anne Murray, April Wine, Blondie, Bloodrock, Burning Spear, Buzzcocks, David Bowie, Kim Carnes, Rosanne Cash, Max Webster, Lee Clayton, Natalie Cole, The Goose Creek Symphony, Sammy Hagar, The Knack, Maze, Mink DeVille, Juice Newton, Raspberries, Minnie Riperton, Diana Ross, Sweet, The Specials, The Sylvers, Ten Wheel Drive, The Stranglers, Tavares, George Thorogood, Triumvirate, Little River Band, Wings, The Persuasions, Richard Marx, The Motels, Billy Squier, Crowded House, Peter Blakeley, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, The Doobie Brothers, Willie Dixon, Glass Tiger, Katrina & The Waves, Grace Jones, Lloyd Cole, Pet Shop Boys, Sawyer Brown, Queen, Roxette, Brian Setzer,The Smithereens, Spandau Ballet, The Tubes, Paul Westerberg, Butthole Surfers, Concrete Blonde, Billy Idol, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Megadeth, Exodus, W.A.S.P., Poison, Iron Maiden, Queensrÿche,  Beastie Boys, King Tee, Mantronix, Mellow Man Ace, Robbie Robertson, Dave Koz, Ashford and Simpson, Freddie Jackson, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Skinny Puppy and others.