The monikers assigned to Aretha Franklin, the queen of soul, James Brown, the Godfather, or Bob Marley, the king of reggae, are undisputed.
Those are undisputed truths identifying rhythm and blues and reggae artists.
While jazz, rock and roll, country, and gospel genres boast royalties of repute that can easily claim titles of distinction, silence might pervade if someone tests insiders about the name of the grandfather of reggae.
According to an elite few, at age 92, Ernest Ranglin is the coveted crowned benefactor.
He is the musician who strummed chords of rhythm behind fronters such as Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Toots & the Maytals, and a myriad of other prominent achievers.
Some even attribute his influence on supergroups to Specials, The Clash, No Doubt, and Sublime.
Perhaps folks may remember his accompaniment to teen idol Millie Small when she surged to global prominence with the hit composition “My Boy Lollipop.”
His nation’s leaders tagged Ranglin for prowess in the sixties to represent the island’s best music at the 1964 World’s Fair in Flushing, Queens.
However, his genius did not pause then.
Nor did his affinity to blend jazz rhythms with ska, reggae, or pop music.
For seven decades, the guitarist has honed his skills to refine the landscape in which he is revered.
In Jamaica, he continually earned accolades from government and ordinary citizens and, in the process, collected one of the highest awards there: presentation by the governor-general of the order of distinction, induction into the island’s hall of fame, and recognition from the region’s most prestigious institution of higher learning with an honorary doctorate.
Ranglin’s degree from the University of the West Indies quietly affirmed his knowledge as an innovator, scholar, and master blaster.
“Music has always been my way of sharing love and unity with the world,” Ranglin said.
That’s why, on May 19, kickstarter.com launched a campaign to honor and preserve his legacy.
The site allegedly wants to preserve the ‘roots of ska, reggae, and Jamaican jazz’ by petitioning pledges to help fund the production of a tribute box set that will recognize Ranglin’s contribution.
“This project means so much to me because it brings together all chapters of my journey and gives thanks to everyone who helped shape the sound of Jamaica,” Ranglin added.
A box set curated by Ranglin and producer Anthony Mindel is in the works and features new recordings with special guests.
“A Farewell in Ernest: the Box Set Project” compiles a 60-minute pirate radio mixtape recreating the golden era of Jamaican music; a 50-minute music scrapbook with archival photos and essays, liner notes, and scores; five vinyl LPs spanning early ska hits and reggae classics; four CDs including rare vault items with newly licensed and remastered versions of his earliest albums.
“I hope it inspires the next generation to keep the music alive and progressing,” Ranglin explained.
Mindel’s poignant opinion re-states “Earnest’s story is the story of origins and development of Jamaican music from the fifties to the present, that has influenced countless ska, reggae and jazz artists worldwide.
This box set is not just a tribute; it’s a long-overdue recognition of his genius, generosity, and global impact.
We’re thrilled to invite fans everywhere to be part of this historic celebration.”
The month-long campaign ends on June 19, Ranglin’s 93rd birthday.
According to advocate Susan Vonseggem, pledges to aid the cause will “secure the musician’s rightful place in music history and ensures his story is told for generations to come.”
The publicist claims Ranglin is deserving because he remains ‘underappreciated.’
And that support from the kickstarter campaign will raise his profile and greatly enhance his appreciation for Jamaica’s role in the industry.
Catch You On the Inside!