Welton Irie

Welton Irie (born Welton Dobson, 1961, Jamaica), sometimes credited simply as Welton, is a Jamaican reggae deejay, best known for his work in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Career

Welton Irie began his career performing as simply 'Welton' on the "Sir John the President" and "Big John's Stereophonic Sound" sound systems, the latter later known as "Echo Tone Hi Fi" in 1976, initially heavily influenced by Ranking Trevor.Larkin, Colin (1998) "The Virgin Encyclopedia of Reggae", Virgin Books, ISBN 0-7535-0242-9] After building up a sizeable following, he was able to introduce young talent such as General Echo to the sound system. Welton moved on to the "Gemini" and "Virgo" sound systems and began a partnership with Lone Ranger, the two beginning their recording careers togther as a duo for Studio One, in a similar vein to Michigan & Smiley with tracks such as "Chase Them Crazy".Barrow, Steve & Dalton, Peter (2004) "The Rough Guide to Reggae, 3rd edn.", Rough Guides, ISBN 1-84353-329-4] On Studio One boss Coxsone Dodd's recommendation, he extended his stage name to Welton Irie.Henry, Krista (2006) " [http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20061105/ent/ent3.html Welton the first dancehall 'Irie' ] ", The Sunday Gleaner, November 5 2006] The pair's partnership was short-lived with both going on to solo careers. Solo hits soon came with "The Bomb", "Army Life", the Jamaican number one hit "Ballerina" recorded with Sly & Robbie, and "Lambs Bread International".

His debut album, "Ghettoman Corner", was recorded for producer Glen Brown and was based on rhythms from Sylford Walker's "Lamb's Bread" album. Walker's album was re-released with the inclusion of six of Irie's deejay versions as "Lamb's Bread International" by Blood & Fire in 2000.

In the early 1980s worked with Henry "Junjo" Lawes' "Volcano" sound system, and in 1983 returned to "Gemini", touring internationally with Johnny Ringo and Squiddly Ranking. In the mid-1980s, with the prevalent style of reggae changing, Irie stopped deejaying and worked as a selector for Gemini. He revived his career in the mid 2000's and began performing live once again.

Albums

*"Ghetto Man Corner" (1977) Pantomime
*"It Feels So Good" (1980) Joe Gibbs
*"Reprobate" (1982) Hitbound
*"Army Life" (1982) Dynamite
*"New Style" (1982) Pioneer International
*"Sweetest Ever" (1983) Rohit
*"One & One = Two" (1995) Jamaican Authentic Classics (with General Plough)
*"Lamb's Bread International" (2000) Blood & Fire (with Sylford Walker)
*"Live@Chez Heinz, Hannover/April 2007" (2007)

Appearances on live albums

*"Junjo Presents Aces International" (1982) Greensleeves
*"A Dee Jay Explosion Inna Dance Hall Style" (1982) Heartbeat

References

External links

* [http://www.roots-archives.com/artist/33 Welton Irie at Roots Archives]
*MySpace|weltonirie
* [http://www.reggaeid.co.uk/artists.php?artist=Welton%20Irie&PHPSESSID=5761ce040 Welton Irie at ReggaeID]
* [http://www.last.fm/music/Welton+Irie Welton Irie at Last.fm]
* [http://reggaediscographies.free.fr/WeltonIrie.htm Welton Irie album discography]