The group was formed by songwriter/keyboardist Jerry Dammers, with Terry Hall (vocals), Lynval Golding (guitar, vocals) and a rhythm section featuring Horace Panter (bass) and John Bradbury (drums; born 16 February 1953, died 28 December 2015). The band wore mod-style 1960s period "rude boy" outfits (pork pie hats, mohair suits, and loafers). In 1980, their song "Too Much Too Young", the lead track on their The Special AKA Live! EP, reached number one in the UK. In 1981, the unemployment-themed single "Ghost Town" also hit number one in the UK Singles Chart. After seven consecutive UK Top 10 singles between 1979 and 1981, the band broke up in 1984. A version of the band reformed from 1994-2001. In 2008, the band reformed again and, in2009, embarked on a 30th anniversary tour. In 2010, they toured America and Europe. In 2011 they again touring the UK.
In 1979, their debut LP hit the shelves and quickly soared into the UK Top Five. The album was produced by Elvis Costello and was released under founding member, Jerry Dammer's record label 2 Tone Records.
Following the success of their debut album, Specials, their second and final album, More Specials was released. This expanded the group's 2 tone sound to include lounge music and other influences.
After two albums and a string of very successful singles the band called it quits in 1984. The bands members moved onto their other musical projects. In 1994 they toured with the original line-up without Terry Hall and Jerry Dammers. Roddy sang Terry's parts. The line-up changed in 1996. The band split again in 2001.
In 2008, The Specials officially announced that they would reform and embark on a 30th Anniversary Tour in 2009. The founding member, Jerry Dammers was not part of the reformed Specials and relationships between him and the rest of the band have remained sore, particularly on Dammers' side of things.
In January 2013, the Specials announced the departure of Neville Staple. In February 2014 it was revealed that another original member, Roddy Radiation, had left the reformed group. In spite of this, the Specials played an extensive tour in the autumn of 2014 with Steve Cradock as lead guitarist.
On 19th December 2022 it was announced that Terry Hall had passed away after a short illness. He was 63.
www.thespecials.com
JAMAICA SKA
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Not many people can cha cha cha.
Not everybody can do the twist.
But everybody can do the ska,
It's the dance you can't resist.
Ska ska ska, Jamaica ska.
Now everybody can do the ska,
It's new dance that goes like this...
Now bow your head,
Swing your arms,
Shake your hips,
Now do a dip.
The Specials' song Jamaica Ska is an upbeat and lively tribute to the ska dance craze, originating from Jamaica in the 1960s. The lyrics, "not many people can cha cha cha, not everybody can do the twist, but everybody can do the ska," emphasize the accessibility and universality of the ska dance. The song encourages listeners to join in on the fun and dance along to the infectious ska rhythm.
The lyrics also provide simple instructions for the ska dance, such as "bow your head, swing your arms, shake your hips, now do a dip." These instructions are straightforward, and even those who have never heard of the ska dance before can easily follow along. The repetition of the phrase "ska ska ska, Jamaica ska," throughout the song serves as a call to action to get up and dance.
Overall, Jamaica Ska is an energetic and joyful celebration of the ska dance, promoting inclusivity and bringing people together through music and dance.
Line by Line Meaning
Ska ska ska, Jamaica ska.
Let's all dance to the Jamaican Ska beat.
Not many people can cha cha cha.
Not everyone has the skill to cha cha cha dance.
Not everybody can do the twist.
Not everyone has the coordination to dance the twist.
But everybody can do the ska,
However, everybody can dance the ska.
It's the dance you can't resist.
The ska is so catchy that you can't help but dance to it.
Now everybody can do the ska,
Nowadays, anyone can dance the ska.
It's new dance that goes like this...
The ska is a new type of dance that is easy to learn.
Now bow your head,
Bend your head forward.
Swing your arms,
Move your arms back and forth.
Shake your hips,
Move your hips left and right.
Now do a dip.
Now bend your knees and lower your body down in a dip motion.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
SKAVILLE CITY *Ska, Rocksteady & Reggae Channel*
I've got the VHS tape of Desmond Dekker & The Specials. I will hopefully get it converted & uploaded to youtube soon 😎
YESHUA IS CHRIST
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