Leroy Sibbles
Leroy Sibbles, born on January 29, 1949, in Jamaica, is a renowned reggae musician and producer, celebrated for his pivotal role as the lead singer of The Heptones during the 1960s and 1970s. As a singer-songwriter, bass player, arranger, and session musician, Sibbles significantly influenced the evolution of Jamaican music, particularly during the transition from ska to rock steady. His work at Clement "Coxsone" Dodd's Studio One, where he served as a session bassist and arranger, contributed to some of the most enduring music of the era.
Sibbles joined The Heptones in 1965, alongside Barry Llewellyn and Earl Morgan, forming one of the most influential groups of the rock steady era. Their signature songs, including "Baby," "Get In The Groove," "Ting A Ling," and "Fattie Fattie," were recorded at Studio One and have been compiled in albums such as The Heptones, On Top, and the Heartbeat Records anthology, Sea of Love. Sibbles considers the album On Top as some of his best work, highlighting tracks like "Love Me Girl," "Guiding Star," and "Pure Sorrow."
Beyond his contributions as a vocalist, Sibbles was instrumental in shaping the sound of Studio One, collaborating with artists like Bob Andy, Alton Ellis, and Burning Spear. His bass playing and arrangements were crucial in defining the sound of many classic reggae tracks, including "Satta Massagana" by The Abyssinians and "Door Peep (Shall Not Enter)" by Burning Spear. Sibbles' work has left an indelible mark on reggae music, earning him the reputation as one of the greatest talents in reggae history.