Burning Spear

Burning Spear, also known as Winston Rodney, is a revered Jamaican roots artist who has released a series of classic albums that illuminate Rastafarianism through his powerful vocals and spiritually charged lyrics. Born in St. Ann's Bay in 1948, Burning Spear rose to prominence after a fateful meeting with Studio One head Coxsone Dodd, leading to the release of hits like "Joe Frazier (He Prayed)" and the iconic album "Marcus Garvey." His early work with Studio One set the foundation for a groundbreaking career that saw him exploring themes of oppression, repatriation, and spirituality.

Throughout his career, Burning Spear continued to evolve his sound, releasing a string of critically acclaimed albums that blended roots reggae with jazz and pop influences. His music, characterized by seething vocals and powerful lyrics, resonated with audiences worldwide and earned him multiple Grammy nominations. Despite evolving musical styles, Burning Spear's dedication to his Rastafarian beliefs remained a constant throughout his discography, culminating in his Grammy-winning album "Calling Rastafari" in 1999. He continued to tour extensively and release new music on his own label, Burning Spear Records, leaving behind a fiery legacy in the reggae genre.