Don Carlos (musician)

Don Carlos
Birth name	Ervin Spencer
Born	29 June 1952
Origin	Kingston, Jamaica
Genres	Reggae
Years active	1972–present
Associated acts	Black Uhuru

Don Carlos a.k.a. Don McCarlos (born Ervin Spencer, 29 June 1952) is a Jamaican reggae singer and composer.^[1]

Biography

He was born and raised in Western Kingston, Jamaica in a very deprived district known as Waterhouse out of which came many talented reggae musicians. One such artist was King Tubby, one of the founders of Black Uhuru, The Jays, Junior Reid and King Jammy. Don Carlos began singing in 1973 as a member of Black Uhuru. He sang alongside Garth Dennis and Derrick Simpson the leader of the trio. Don played a key role in the recordings of the highly acclaimed Love Crisis album, produced by Prince Jammy in 1977 which was later re-released as The Black Sounds of Freedom. After some time finding his sound as a soloist Carlos blossomed in May 1981 releasing the heavy cultural roots album Suffering for Negus Roots.

He has since become very popular in the live scene and has released twelve solo albums working alongside Gold, his backup vocalist and co writer. Some of his most notable albums include Harvest Time, Day to Day Living and Them Never Know a Natty Dread were released in 1982. Spread Out also released in 1982 commonly known now as Laser Beam had many fan favorites.

Though Carlos' solo peak period was during the 80's dance hall craze he still maintains his roots flavor and awesome melodies to this day. In 1988 he recorded Jingle Bells with Glenice Spenser on A Reggae Christmas on RAS Records. In 1990 he re-united as the lead vocal for a Black Uhuru album. Don continues to grow in popularity and still performs all over the world.

References

1. ^ Thompson, Dave (2002) "Reggae & Caribbean Music", Backbeat Books, ISBN 0-87930-655-6

External links

• Official website

Persondata
Name	Carlos, Don
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Date of birth	29 June 1952
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