Boris Gardiner
Boris Gardiner, born on January 13, 1943, in Kingston, Jamaica, is a renowned singer, songwriter, and bass guitarist known for his contributions to ska, reggae, lovers rock, soul, and R&B. Gardiner's music career began in 1960 when he joined Richard Ace's band, the Rhythm Aces, and quickly gained recognition with local hits like "A Thousand Teardrops" and "C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S," co-written with his brother Barrington. After the Rhythm Aces disbanded, Gardiner joined Kes Chin and The Souvenirs, where he expanded his musical skills to include guitar and percussion.
Gardiner's journey as a musician saw him play with several prominent bands, including Carlos Malcolm & the Afro Caribs and Byron Lee's Dragonaires. He became a sought-after session musician in the late 1960s and 1970s, contributing to hits by Jamaican stars such as Bob Marley, Marcia Griffiths, and The Heptones. Notably, he played bass on the influential reggae track "Real Rock."
As a solo artist, Gardiner achieved international success with his 1970 hit "Elizabethan Reggae," although he did not receive royalties for it. His career reached new heights in 1986 with the single "I Wanna Wake Up with You," which topped the UK charts. The accompanying album, Everything to Me, included another hit, "You're Everything to Me."
Beyond performing, Gardiner composed jingles and film scores, showcasing his versatility as a musician. Despite health challenges from a young age due to tachycardia, Gardiner's enduring influence and contributions to music have solidified his place in reggae history.
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