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Artist
Nora Dean
12+ albums
reggaerocksteadycalypsojamaicafemale vocalists
about
Letetia Leonora McLean best known as Nora Dean (January 8, 1944 – 29 September 2016) was a Jamaican reggae and later gospel recording artist, best known for her 1970 hit "Barbwire". Born in St. Catherine, Jamaica, Nora Dean recorded as a member of The Soulettes (with Rita Marley) and The Ebony Sisters before recording as a solo artist. She recorded for Lee "Scratch" Perry, including the 1969 single "The Same Thing That You Gave to Daddy". Dean had her first hit in 1970 for producer Byron Smith with "Barbwire", based on The Techniques' "You Don't Care". She enjoyed further success with "Night Food Reggae". She went on to record for Sonia Pottinger, Harry Mudie ("Let Me Tell You Boy"), and Bunny Lee, including a version of "Que Sera Sera", retitled "Kay Sarah". She contributed backing vocals to Jimmy Cliff's 1973 album Unlimited. Dean moved to New York City in the mid-1970s, where she married. After several years away from music she returned in the 1980s, singing in a lovers rock style. In the 1990s she began recording again, now concentrating on gospel music, releasing several albums in the years that followed. Dean moved to Connecticut in 2010, and died there on 29 September 2016, aged 72. Nora Dean is one of reggae’s greatest mysteries. She sang solo as well as being a member of The Ebony Sisters, The Soul Sisters and The Soulettes. She did backing vocals on some recordings by Jimmy Cliff. Although she was not a prolific artist (especially by reggae standards), a number
top songs
albums
Trojan Tighten Up Box Set CD2
Barbwire
Top Ranking
Top Ranking: a Diplo Dub
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Trojan Calypso Collection
Trojan Reggae Sisters Collection
Dom Thomas presents Dreams of San Antonio
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Late Night Reggae
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Trojan Reggae Sisters Box Set
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Queens Of Jamaica (Retail CD)
Trojan Calypso Box Set
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Arise Rootsman: Jamaican Roots 1965-1983