Crafting Reggae Magic: Junior Murvin’s Unseen Junior Masterpiece ‘Cool Down The Heat’
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Heralded in the reggae world, Junior Murvin, famously known for his 1976 chart-topper “Police and Thieves,” crafted a unique musical path that reverberates even today. Producing timeless reggae music was second nature to this Jamaican virtuoso, who was born in Saint James Parish roughly around 1946. After moving to Port Antonio post his father’s demise, his childhood was filled with melodies influenced significantly by Curtis Mayfield. His music career initially took off under the moniker Junior Soul for the Gayfeet label owned by Sonia Pottinger.
Having made his mark on the reggae scene, Junior was associated with various bands such as the Hippy Boys, the Mighty Falcons, and the Tornadoes performing across Kingston’s vibrant nightclubs and bustling tourist hotels. His remarkable journey took a turn in 1976 when he auditioned another time for Perry with his composition, “Police and Thieves”. Enticed by Junior’s talent, Perry saw the commercial potential and the single found global success across Jamaica and Britain. Apart from being associated with the turbulent times of turf-wars and police brutality of Jamaica, the song became an iconic symbol of the London’s Notting Hill Carnival riots of the same year.
During his spectacular career, Junior collaborated with producers Joe Gibbs, Errol Thompson, Mikey Dread, Henry “Junjo” Lawes, Prince Jammy, and King Tubby producing local hits like “Miss Kushie”, “Cool Out Son”, “I’m in Love”, “Bad Man Posse”, and “Muggers in the Street”. Despite his singles faring rather low in the 1980s, he remained an active part of Jah Postles, one of Jamaica’s leading bands and went on extensive tours across Europe.
Flash forward to 2025, almost four decades post the release of ‘Muggers In The Street’ produced by Henry ‘Junjo Lawes in 1984 and ‘Apartheid,’ produced by Prince Jammy in 1986, Greensleeves Records proudly presents ‘Cool Down The Heat’, an album that showcases Junior’s timeless classics. This newly compiled posthumous album, produced by King Jammy, consists of original 80s recordings that have received a fresh treatment by the Jamaican super-producer Lloyd ‘King Jammy’ James. This ten-track album is brimming with reworked classics and fresh compositions including “Come From Far,” “Ism Schism,” “No Bed Of Roses,” alongside “Police And Thieves” and “Cool Out Son”.
Junior’s unique falsetto lead vocals combined with the refreshing take on the classics by King Jammy, makes ‘Cool Down The Heat’ a must-have for every reggae aficionado. Serving as a companion to his iconic Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry recordings, it’s a testament to his role in shaping the genre, inviting listeners to a unique musical experience of rediscovering Junior Murvin’s genius in all its glory.
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