Ken Boothe
Ken Boothe, born Kenneth George Boothe on March 22, 1948, in Denham Town, Kingston, Jamaica, grew up in a musically rich environment. His mother and older sister were both singers, which greatly influenced his early interest in music. From a young age, he was exposed to various musical styles, shaping his distinctive sound and style as an artist.
Ken Boothe's musical career began in the early 1960s, a period when Jamaica's music scene was rapidly evolving. His unique voice, characterized by a soulful timbre and distinctive vibrato, quickly set him apart from other artists. He became well-known for his contributions as a singer, songwriter, and producer, and is regarded as one of the most prolific songwriters in the history of Jamaican music.
Throughout his career, Boothe achieved significant domestic and international success. He gained fame with hits such as "Everything I Own," which showcased his emotive delivery and songwriting prowess. His music reflects various influences, including rocksteady, reggae, and soul, which he masterfully blended to create a unique sound that resonates with audiences.
Boothe has been involved in various musical projects, one of the notable ones being 'Inna De Yard,' an all-star Jamaican reggae collective that aims to promote the traditional roots of reggae music. This collaboration has further solidified his status in the reggae community and introduced his music to newer generations.
Ken Boothe is a family man, married with children, and takes pride in his strong family values. He continues to be an admired figure in the music industry, revered not only for his contributions to reggae but also for his dedication to his family and community.
Overall, Ken Boothe remains a legendary figure in reggae music, celebrated for his impactful career and enduring influence on the genre.
Let’s Get It On
Written-By – Wilson, Sawyer
A2 Leaving Me
Written By – Copyright Control
A3 My Love
Written-By – P. McCartney
A4 Come Back Baby
Written By – Copyright Control
A5 Playground Of My Mind
Written-By – Lee Pockriss, P. Vance
A6 Let's Get It On
Written-By – Townsend, Gaye
B1 African Lady
Written-By – B. Marley
B2 Is It Because I'm Black
Written-By – S. Johnson
B3 Down By The River
Written-By – Brown, Seaton, Boothe, Charmers
B4 Dum Dum
Written-By – Lloyd Charmers
B5 Whole World's Down On Me
Written-By – Brown, Seaton, Boothe, Charmers
B6 That's The Way Nature Planned It - Pt. 2
Written-By – Wilson, Sawyer
Label: Trojan Records – TRLS 83
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Reggae, Funk, Soul
Style: Reggae-Pop, Rocksteady, Lovers Rock
Ken Boothe's 1974 album Let's Get It On, produced by Lloyd Charmers, is a highly-regarded reggae classic known for Boothe's signature smooth, soulful vocals covering both romantic tunes and social commentary, featuring iconic tracks like his rendition of Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" and Syl Johnson's "Is It Because I'm Black", showcasing his versatility and appeal across reggae, soul, and rocksteady, making it a superb, essential listen.
Reviewers praise Boothe's charismatic, smooth voice, perfect for the era's soulful reggae and rocksteady.
The album features strong interpretations of well-known songs, including the title track and Syl Johnson's powerful "Is It Because I'm Black".
It balances romantic themes with social consciousness, demonstrating Boothe's broad appeal. Lloyd Charmers' production provides a rich backdrop, enhancing Boothe's unique vocal style.
Considered a standout in Boothe's discography, it's a testament to his influential role in reggae music, available in modern reissues.
It's a definitive album from Boothe's prolific period with Lloyd Charmers, blending classic reggae vibes with soulful depth, and is a superb example of Jamaican music's ability to deliver both heartfelt romance and powerful social statements
The album was a major success for Trojan Records, released during what is considered Boothe's "finest" creative period.
It maintains a high standing among fans, with average user ratings of 4.43/5 on Discogs and positive contemporary reviews on platforms like Amazon.
In October 2024, a 50th Anniversary Edition was released on limited 180-gram orange vinyl, further cementing its status as a "deserving classic" in the reggae canon.