The founding members of the group were Tommy McCook, Roland Alphonso, Lloyd Brevett, Lloyd Knibb, Lester Sterling, Don Drummond, Jerome “Jah Jerry” Haynes, Jackie Mittoo, Johnny Moore and Jackie Opel.
Trombonist Drummond's composition, Man In The Street, entered the Top 10 in the United Kingdom. He was not only the Skatalites' busiest composer, but was the most prolific in all of Ska, with at least 200 tunes to his name by 1965.
On January 1, 1965, Drummond was jailed for the murder of his girlfriend, Anita 'Marguerita' Mahfood, and in August that year, the Skatalites played their last show. The break-up resulted in the formation of two supergroups, Jackie Mitto and the Soul Brothers (later the Soul Vendors and finally Sound Dimension) and Tommy McCook and the Supersonics. Drummond died in the Bellevue Asylum on May 6, 1969 at age 37.
In June 1983, the Skatalites reformed for a reunion performance at the Sunsplash festival in Montego Bay in July. Between 1985 and 1988, the core members of the Skatalites emigrated, and eventually coalesced in the northeast of the United States. They played their first U.S. concert at "The Village Gate", and did their first U.S. tour in January, 1990. The Skatalites continued touring the U.S., and did their first tour of Europe in 1992.
In January 1996, the Skatalites was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of "Best Reggae Album" for their 1995 Shanachie release, Hi Bop Ska. They were again nominated for a Grammy Award in the same category for their 1996 Shanachie release, Greetings From Skamania, in January 1997.
The Skatalites began their first World Tour in February 2002, covering the United States, Europe, Mexico, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Russia, and Japan, which lasted nine months.
On 8 February 2012 the band announced a new single and album due out in 2012 as well as a new US tour starting in Texas and heading to New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, Oregan, California, Washington and then Canada. These dates follow 4 dates they announced in January for the North East. The new album will be titled "All Roads" and will feature the last recordings of founding member Lloyd Knibb.
Original 1960s lineup
Tommy McCook - tenor saxophone, flute
Roland Alphonso - tenor saxophone
Lester Sterling - alto saxophone
Don Drummond - trombone
Johnny "Dizzy" Moore - trumpet
Lloyd Brevett - upright bass
Lloyd Knibbs - drums
Jerome "Jah Jerry" Haynes - guitar
Jackie Mittoo - piano
Jackie Opel - vocals
Associated musicians
Though not official band members, these musicians worked with the Skatalites extensively during the 1964-1965 period in the recording studio, or in the case of the vocalists, at live shows. Doreen Shaeffer later joined the group full-time when they reunited.
Tony Gregory - vocals
Doreen Shaeffer - vocals
Lord Tanamo - vocals
Dennis "Ska" Campbell - tenor saxophone
Oswald "Baba" Brooks - trumpet
Frank Anderson - trumpet
Ernest Ranglin - lead guitar
Lyn Taitt - rhythm guitar
Current lineup
Lester Sterling - alto saxophone
Doreen Shaffer - vocals
Azemobo "Zem" Audu - tenor saxophone
Andrae Murchison - trombone
Kevin Batchelor - trumpet
Val Douglas - bass guitar
Natty Frenchy - guitar
Cameron Greenlee - keyboards
Trevor "Sparrow" Thompson - drums
Other former band members
These musicians played in various lineups of the Skatalites during their reunion period (1983–present), generally replacing original members who were absent or deceased.
Mark Berney - trumpet
Nathan Breedlove - trumpet (1993–1998)
Cedric "Im" Brooks - tenor saxophone (2000–2002,2007-2010)
Karl "Cannonball" Bryan - saxophone (2003–2009)
Calvin "Bubbles" Cameron - trombone (1983–1984)
Welford "Will" Clark - trombone (1994–2003)
Vin "Don D. Junior" Gordon - trombone (2003–2008)
Devon James - guitar (1987–2009)
Bill Smith - keyboards (1993–1999)
Ken Stewart - keyboards (1988-1990,1998-2009) (also serves as the band's manager)
Clark Gayton - Trombone (1989–1994)
Cary Brown - keyboards (1990-1995)
Louis Bonilla - trombone
www.skatalites.com
Confucius
The Skatalites Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Criticize me then I won't fuss
A nuh what you may say but what you do
Those are the words of Confucious
Many a serious things are said in jest
Provacatively or contemptuously
Only fools do and say things they regret
What the world needs is more love and understanding
Put down your sword and heed to peaceful ways
For there's no gain to lean on one's misgivings
Men who them hang can't drown
Confucious say
Merry merry up yourself
Confucious say
Happy happy time is still for us today
The Skatalites' song Confucius is a tribute to the Chinese philosopher Confucius, known for his teachings on morality, social relationships, and wisdom. The song highlights wise sayings from Confucius and emphasizes the importance of being mindful of one's words and actions. The lyrics start by encouraging the listener to empathize with the songwriter and to criticize him constructively. This sentiment is emphasized by Confucius' teachings on the importance of self-reflection and criticism for personal growth. The song goes on to say that only fools say and do things they regret, a lesson that encourages listeners to be thoughtful and mindful of their behavior.
The song also calls for more love and understanding in the world and emphasizes the need for peaceful ways to solve conflicts. Confucius' teachings on social relationships and moral order recognize the importance of peace, and this idea is reflected in the lyrics. Finally, the song ends with Confucius' playful and lighthearted side, as the lyrics reference the philosopher saying "Merry merry up yourself" and "Happy happy time is still for us today," encouraging listeners to enjoy life and find joy in the present moment.
Line by Line Meaning
When you can walk a mile into my shoe
If you are able to empathize with me and understand my position fully.
Criticize me then I won't fuss
If you have a negative opinion about me, I won't react negatively.
A nuh what you may say but what you do
Actions speak louder than words, so I'll pay more attention to what you do rather than what you say.
Those are the words of Confucious
These wise words come from the teachings of Confucious, who focused on empathy and respect.
Many a serious things are said in jest
Sometimes serious statements are made lightly or humorously.
Provacatively or contemptuously
Intentionally trying to be disrespectful or offensive.
Only fools do and say things they regret
Someone who acts or speaks unwisely is foolish and will likely regret their actions or words later on.
Those are the words of Confucious
These wise words come from the teachings of Confucious, who focused on wisdom and thoughtfulness.
What the world needs is more love and understanding
The world would be a better place if there were more people who showed love and tried to understand others.
Put down your sword and heed to peaceful ways
Stop being aggressive and embrace peaceful, non-violent methods to solve problems.
For there's no gain to lean on one's misgivings
It's not beneficial to focus on and give in to negative thoughts or doubts.
Men who them hang can't drown
People who support each other and work together are the strongest and most successful.
Confucious say Merry merry up yourself
Confucious believed that sometimes you need to cheer yourself up and find happiness within yourself.
Confucious say Happy happy time is still for us today
Confucious believed that there's always something to be happy about, even in difficult times.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: DON DRUMMOND, DONAT MITTOO, JEROME HAYNES, JOHNNY MOORE, LESTER STERLING, LLOYD BRIVETT, LLOYD KNIBB, ROLAND ALPHONSO, THOMAS MCCOOK
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