He was a homely and down to earth historical subject who blended culture and spiritual beliefs in his musical career. Far from the spotlight of the music industry, he was the real ‘guru’ for many of Jamaican singers and musicians. Noted and directly involved in the process and creation of ska, rocksteady and reggae, his rich insights and discipline become a key factor to open the door of reggae for the world. His firm energy and dedication are the manifestation of his love and passion for music. He left his land of birth as a consequence to the positive message he believed. His love for fans was so great. The issue of Kultur this time is about Joe Higgs, a man full of radiant though he was far from the rumble and boisterous life of superstardom.
The cause behind why
His name sticks to the history of music in Jamaica through his fundamental role in its development toward worldwide recognition. His midas touch directly took part in molding the music that we glorify and enjoy today. As a musician he is the first man in the history of Jamaican music industry. Together with Wilson (Higgs & Wilson), their “Oh Manny oh” became the first single to be pressed and produced in Jamaica.
The musical career of a man originally named Joseph Benjamin Higgs who’s born on June 3rd 1940 started in a music contest when the juries were confused to decide the winner between Higgs and Wilson. Luckily, at the end they suggested the two start a duet. This story was the momentous epitome of their journey until they split by the end of 1960s. During the span of time, together they released many singles and recordings. “Oh Manny oh” was produced alongside Edward Seaga, the manager who later became the Prime Minister of Jamaica. Higgs also worked with the most influential producer, Coxsone Dodd. With a unique signature of melodious harmony, crisscrossed singing technique like Jazzy scatting combined with spirit of Jamaican culture and beliefs he then poured them into his masterpiece. Higgs gave a massive contribution to the progress of Jamaican music.
In a frenzied musical industry, Higgs didn’t get enough spotlight and was mainly known only as a supporting act. This is due to his low-profile character that many times witnessed through his down to earth utterance.
“I realize that the only person can give me my reward and what I’m entitled to is the Almighty.”.
Higgs responded to a question regarding the polemic of his royalties.
Higgs produced just a few albums (six albums) throughout his career. Among others are his solo debut ‘Life of Contradiction’ and ‘Unity is Power’ that were released by the mid-1970s. Despite this fact, Higgs is a prominent figure for the advent of ska, rocksteady, and reggae. He is known as a genius composer. His masterpiece can be traced through the composition of Prince Buster, Peter Tosh, Lynn Taitt and still many more.
An outset of a triupmh
Higgs started his career from Trenchtown, the historical urban dwellings in Jamaica. He is also known as a broad-minded musician. He first encountered music from his mother, a singer in church choir. Besides as a musician he was also a passionate music lover and had a high appreciation for it. He could explain in detail about the famous Johnny Ace, a dynamic R&B singer Jackie Wilson and kept following the magical wonder of Jimi Hendrix as well as Janis Joplin. This might be the main provision of Higgs besides his extraordinary talent.
His house was a rendezvous for the ghetto youths to learn singing informally. This would include breathing technique, introduction of melody and harmony, as well as the basic creation of music composition. Roger Steffens, a Jamaican music historian and archiver gave testimony that Joe Higgs was a full of disciplined musician. He would not hesitate asking his band to repeat a song while on live stage if he found it imperfect. He didn’t just give basic lessons on singing but also transmitting positive energy in writing lyrics to his students.
Derrick Harriot, Bob Andy and Jimmy Cliff are just a few names to mention from those who went under Higgs mentorships to become great singers. Even, the legendary singing trio who laid the history of reggae to the world also got significant provision from him. This trio then transformed into Bob Marley & The Wailers. Marley confirmed Higgs’ role upon himself. He called Higgs “big music man” (Bob Marley: Lyrical Genius; Kwame Dawes). Furthermore;
“Den I go down into Trench Town and start listening to jazz, ’cept me couldn’t understand it,”. He added, “Joe Higgs ’elped me understand that music. ’E taugh me many t’ings.”. – Bob Marley
Ras Michael from ‘The Son of Negus’ said that Higgs is a master as well as a strict teacher. He recalled that Higgs would always carefully notice every tone they sang during a rehearsal.
A Legacy and a victory
It is no exaggeration when Higgs is ordained as “The Godfather of Reggae.” Many reggae superstars named him as their mentor. He is respected, honored, and loved. Lee Perry is one of the big figures in reggae realms who has profound respect for Higgs (in David Rodigan: ‘My Life in Reggae’). Peter Tosh’s nickname ‘Steppin Razor’ that comes from the song in his album ‘Equal Rights’ (1977) was actually created and sung previously by Higgs. When Bunny Wailer decided not to continue the American tour with Bob Marley and the Wailers, Higgs jumped in to replace him. And to this, Bunny remarked (in ‘So Much Things to Say’ by Roger Steffens): “I was satisfied to know that if anybody took my place it would have been my tutor, my teacher. I felt good about that.” Besides spreading musical knowledge, Higgs also introduced Rastafarian beliefs to most reggae stars. He was part of the Trenchtown movements that brought Rasta elders like Mortimer Planno and Vernon ‘Gadman’ Carrington to Kingston.

His broader musical legacy, influence, and achievement deserve recognition, homage and tribute. As a mentor, singer, and musician he always worked all heartedly in equipping his students with adequate knowledge. He injected his energy to reggae.
“Reggae is a confrontational sound. Freedom – that’s what it’s asking for. Acceptance – that’s what it needs.”
Joe Higgs explained to Jeremy Marre (director of a documentary film ‘Roots Rock Reggae’). Higgs strongly believed in this thought. He was forced to live in exile because of his political criticism in his song, ‘So It Go.’ Until the end of his life he would never return home to Jamaica.
His dedication to music was so powerful. Marcia Higgs (daughter) remembered his father put so much respect on the fans, people who always supported him. In his last days (October 2nd 1999), Higgs still asked Marcia to take him out of the hospital so that he could make a concert that was postponed due to his worsening condition. Marcia rewrites a note of a message given by his father at the hospital:
“I really need to have a talk with my fans — even if it’s with my last breath — I WANT TO TELL THEM THANKS FOR EVERYTHING — because, it is only because of them that there’s a Joe Higgs!”
The concert never happened. His condition continued to decline. Joe Higgs passed away on December 18, 1999. The ‘big music man’ leaves a great legacy to the reggae world widely. His skill, genius, broad musical insights, modesty, and powerful dedication still abide in reggae and other Jamaican music today. Hail to Joe Higgs for the blessings of his sound, words and power!
(Author:Sam, Translation:Yedi).
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