Earl Zero

about

Singer/songwriter Earl "Zero" Johnson played a crucial role in the roots age, releasing powerful cultural numbers whose dramatic lyrics were often combined with tough militant backings from the Soul Syndicate band. His most beloved song, "None Shall Escape the Judgement," is an acknowledged classic, and the one that launched Johnny Clarke to stardom. Born in 1952, in the Greenwich Town neighborhood of Kingston, Jamaica, Zero was the eldest of ten children of a fisherman father and fishmonger mother. Zero's musical interest was sparked early, as was that of his school friend Earl "Chinna" Smith. Self-taught, together the two were soon penning songs. A shoemaker provided the pair with their first recording experience, but it wasn't until 1975 that Zero came to the notice of a professional. Producer Bunny Lee lived down the road, and his bar and backyard were a local hangout. No surprise, then, that Lee happened into the yard to hear Zero and Smith performing "Judgement." A recording session at Treasure Isle studio followed, but Lee shelved Zero's version and handed the song off to another young singer. That became Jamaica's top-selling single of the year; Johnny Clarke had arrived, and Zero was left with zilch. However, the singer did inaugurate Don Mais' new Roots Tradition label with "Home Sweet Home" that year, also cutting "I No Lie" for him. More sessions followed: Al Campbell oversaw the potent "Righteous Work," while Tommy Cowan produced "City of the Weak Heart" and "P

top songs

albums

Visions of Love

Righteous Works (12-inch)

And God said to man

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Jammys From The Roots [1977-1985]

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Righteous Work

Marketplace

Life Goes In Circles: Sounds from the Talent Corporation / 1974 to 1979

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The Crowning Of Prince Jammy

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Classic Reggae Recut, Vol. 1

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Classic Reggae Recut Chapter 1 CD

In The Right Way

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Freedom Sounds in Dub

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