The following year he replaced Don Carlos as the lead singer of a three-piece vocal group called Black Uhuru. Their first full-length recording "Love Crisis", produced by Prince Jammy in 1977, was later remixed and re-released as "Black Sounds of Freedom". Michael Rose had a profound effect on the sound of the group. With his distinctive voice and his powerful, self-penned reality themes, Black Uhuru were to eventually become the Reggae supergroup of the 80's after joining forces with Sly & Robbie and releasing hit-singles like "Shine Eye Gal", "General Penitentiary" or "Plastic Smile" on the Taxi Label. Signed to Island Records in 1980, they recorded highly acclaimed albums like "Sinsemillia", "Red", "Chill Out" and the grammy-winning "Anthem" in 1984.
In 1985 Michael Rose left Black Uhuru to pursue a solo career. After recording singles like "Bogus Badge" and "Demonstration" on his own Grammy Rose label he took a break from the music business, preferring instead to farm coffee on land he owned in Jamaica. It wasn't until he was signed to the RCA label in 1989 that he was heard from again. His pop-oriented debut solo album "Proud" was released the following year in Europe and Japan. The early 90's saw the release of two albums in Japan: "Bonanza" and "King Of General". Most of the tracks from these low-fi recordings were later remixed or re-recorded and reissued worldwide on the Heartbeat label. In 1993 Michael Rose also reunited in the studio with Sly & Robbie, resulting in a string of hit singles including "Monkeys Business", "One A We, Two A We" and "Bad Boys". These recordings also hit the streets in remixed form on the album "X-Uhuru" in 1999 for the french Tabou1 label.
The 1995 released, simply "Michael Rose" titled, album was his first for the american independent Heartbeat label. Produced by Niney the Observer, it contained the smash-hit "Short Temper". Another single, the UK produced "Last Chance" on the Ruff Cutt label, ruled the british charts for several weeks. 1995 saw the release of an album recorded by Bunny Gemini ("Voice of the ghetto" aka "Rising Star") followed by the Heartbeat album "Be Yourself", which contained remixed versions of some tracks from the japan-only release "Bonanza" and previously unreleased material. Heartbeat Records also did a dub-companion to "Be Yourself" dubbed "Big Sound Frontline".
Another album containing unreleased, previously by Jah Screw recorded material saw the light of day in 1996: "Nuh carbon" was licensed to Greensleeves/RAS Records. Teaming up once again with Mafia and Fluxy, who played also on the highly acclaimed "Michael Rose" album, he recorded the albums "Dance Wicked" and its dub companion "Dub Wicked" for Heartbeat. An interesting album that contained vocal as well as dub tracks called "Selassie I Showcase" surfaced 1997 on the european Bakchich label; tunes like the re-recorded "I Love King Selassie" on a sampled "Natural Mystic" rhythm held the grassroots market spellbound. An energetic live album, "Party in Session", was recorded for Heartbeat during his tours across America in 1996 and 1997.
1999 saw the release of the earlier mentioned "X-Uhuru" album on the Tabou1 label as well as "Bonanza" for the Heartbeat label (not to be confused with the japan-only release of the same title). The latter consists once again of previously recorded, remixed or re-recorded tracks as well as new tunes. June 2000 brought another live album on the Tabou1 label, this time recorded back in 1984 with Black Uhuru. After being postponed several times, the album "Never Give It Up" finally hit the stores in April 2001. This Hearbeat Records release consists of self-produced material recorded in Miami/Florida.
Although busy with touring (also with Sly & Robbie) and studio work, Michael Rose hasn't released a full-length album for quite some time. Early 2004 news hit the streets that Duckie Simspon and Michael Rose reunite as "Black Uhuru feat. Michael Rose". Since then, they released their single "Dollars" and performed in various countries. Heartbeat Records meanwhile puts out a "Best of"-album entiteld "Happiness - The Best of Michael Rose" and, in the summer of 2006, Young T/Otis Riddim Records released Jump Nya Benge, on their show-case uPLiFTMeNT album.
A Who
Michael Rose Lyrics
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Guess who's coming to dinner, Natty Dreadlocks
Oh I can see you brought some herb for me, Natty Dreadlocks
And Rasta near land Nyah Binghi Cudjoe are coming over the hills
Say in time like this we must live as one
So the Book of Rule shall stand, Dreadlocks, Dreadlocks
Guess who's coming to dinner, Natty Dreadlocks
Guess who's coming to dinner, Natty Dreadlocks
So let's give thanks and praise, Natty Dreadlocks
I appreciate the herb you brought for me, Natty Dreadlocks
Now that things and time have changed
Something make me realize what it takes
And how to be a Natty Dreadlocks
Guess who's coming to dinner, Natty Dreadlocks
I'm just coming in from the woods, Natty Dreadlocks
So let's give thanks and praise, Natty Dreadlocks
I appreciate the herb you brought for me, Natty Dreadlocks
Now that things and time have changed
Something make me realize what it takes
And how to be a Natty Dreadlocks, oh yeah
Guess who's coming to dinner, Natty Dreadlocks
Guess who's coming to dinner, Natty Dreadlocks
Guess who's coming to dinner, Natty Dreadlocks
Guess who's coming to dinner, Na
So the Book of Rule shall stand
Guess who's Dreadlocks
Guess who's comin', Dreadlocks
The song "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" by Michael Rose is known for its reggae rhythm and social commentary. The lyrics tell a story of a group of Rastafarians, led by Natty Dreadlocks and Rasta Nyah Binghi Cudjoe, who are invited to a dinner. The lyrics suggest that in order to achieve unity and peace, people from different backgrounds and cultures must come together and learn to live as one. The use of herb or marijuana, which is a common practice in Rastafarian culture, is mentioned in the song as a unifying factor.
The lyrics are a message of hope and love, with a call to embrace diversity and celebrate differences. The repetition of "Guess who's coming to dinner, Natty Dreadlocks" emphasizes the importance of accepting others, regardless of their appearance or beliefs. The phrase "So the Book of Rule shall stand, Dreadlocks, Dreadlocks" suggests that by embracing diversity and treating others with respect and love, we can create a better world.
One interesting fact about this song is that it was originally recorded by The Heptones in 1971, but Michael Rose's version, released in 1978, is the most popular and widely recognized. Another fact is that the song was produced by legendary reggae producer Niney The Observer, who has worked with artists such as Bob Marley and Dennis Brown. Additionally, the album on which the song appears, "Warrior", is considered one of Michael Rose's best solo albums.
Another interesting fact is that the song's message of unity and acceptance has been used in various social justice movements, including the fight for racial equality in the United States. The song's lyrics have been cited as an example of how music can be impactful in creating positive social change.
The chords for "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" are as follows:
Intro: Bm – G – A – G
Verse: Bm – G – A – G
Chorus: Bm – G – A – G
Bridge: Bm – G – A – F#m – G
Overall, "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" is a timeless reggae classic that promotes the values of love, unity, and diversity. The song's message remains relevant and important today, as people continue to fight for social justice and equality.
Line by Line Meaning
Guess who's coming to dinner, Natty Dreadlocks
There is a guest coming to dinner and his name is Natty Dreadlocks.
Oh I can see you brought some herb for me, Natty Dreadlocks
I can see that you have brought something (marijuana) for me, Natty Dreadlocks.
And Rasta near land Nyah Binghi Cudjoe are coming over the hills
Other Rastafarians like Nyah Binghi Cudjoe are coming over the hills to join us.
Say in time like this we must live as one
We need to come together and live together during difficult times like this.
So the Book of Rule shall stand, Dreadlocks, Dreadlocks
We must stand by our beliefs and traditions, Natty Dreadlocks.
So let's give thanks and praise, Natty Dreadlocks
Let us express our gratitude and appreciation, Natty Dreadlocks.
Now that things and time have changed
Since things and times have changed in various ways,
Something make me realize what it takes
There is something that has made me understand what is needed.
And how to be a Natty Dreadlocks
And what it means to be a Natty Dreadlocks.
I'm just coming in from the woods, Natty Dreadlocks
I have just come back from the woods, Natty Dreadlocks.
Guess who's comin', Dreadlocks
Dreadlocks is coming over.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MICHAEL ROSE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@evy.t
Respect to the positive comments, I was the Michael's live engineer for that tour. Bless
@JohnPeter-r8j
When was this.. greetings
@evy.t
I think it was about 20 plus years ago, can't remember the exact date
@M.i.k.e.y_dread
Good work sir@@evy.t
@santoelcondenao
You killed it bro great job it sounds like a record hard to believe it’s a live show
@santoelcondenao
I’m sure everyone will agree. This is the best version of this song.
@cowansw9808
Masterful performance by the inimitable Michael Rose, the band and technical staff. This goes down as my all time YouTube favourite.
@markflores40
Mine to. I can't get enough of this perfomance.
@Dragon-Slay3r
Altair back stabbing?
@DSTM100_
The man on the African Drum and Sax was my music teacher in secondary school!! ❤️🙏🏿💛🙏🏿💚