Linval Thompson

Linval Thompson, a pivotal figure in reggae music since the mid-'70s, has made significant contributions to the genre's evolution and boundary-breaking subgenre categorizations. Collaborating with renowned Jamaican artists such as Augustus Pablo and Lee Perry, Thompson's roots anthems like "Cool Down Your Temper" and "Don’t Cut Off Your Dreadlocks" have solidified his reputation as one of the finest reggae singers of the roots renaissance. Not only a singer and songwriter, Thompson is also a pioneering producer who has worked with legends like Dennis Brown, the Wailing Souls, and Eek-A-Mouse, establishing himself as a triple threat in the reggae scene.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1954, Linval Thompson's musical journey began in his teenage years when he moved to the U.S. to pursue his passion for music, writing his first songs while still in high school. Starting his career with producer Bunny Rugs, Thompson's unique vocal style began to gain attention with hits like "Westbound Plane." Transitioning into production, he found success with albums like I Love Marijuana, influencing the late '70s roots reggae sound. As reggae evolved into the dancehall era, Thompson continued to make his mark, collaborating with Roots Radics and Scientist on dub titles that showcased his innovative sound. Despite his shift away from the spotlight in the digital age, Thompson's legacy lives on through reissues of his classic material and occasional recordings into the 21st century.