Prince Buster Productions Released In The UK, 1961-67: A Selective Review

16.6.61 Oh, Carolina/I Met A Man - Folkes Brothers with Count Ossie's Afro Combo - Blue Beat BB 30

Both tracks were recorded in the same session, with Owen Gray on piano and Bunny And Skitter on backing vocals. The same session produced Chubby aka Cassavubu (Blue Beat BB 64, 12.1.62). The session was the most notable promotion of Nyabingi drumming in Jamaica to that date and for several years after, although Lloyd Knibb of The Skatalites would provide some Burru-influenced beats for their recordings.

17.11.61 - Luke Lane Shuffle - Rico Rodriguez/Little Honey - Buster's Group - Blue Beat BB 56

Rico would collaborate with Buster for several years despite having moved to the UK. Little Honey is the earliest known Prince Buster vocal.

12.1.62 - Boss Girl - J.E. Stick and Drumbago All-Stars/Cassavubu - Count Ossie's Afro Combo Blue Beat BB 64

Cassavubu aka Chubby was the third track recorded at the Oh, Carolina session. It was released in Jamaica under the title Chubby, credited to Bunny and Skitter (see here), who were Noel Simms and Arthur Robinson. Cassavubu was a tribute to Congo leader Joseph Kasa-Vubu. Bunny and Skitter had also recorded a tribute to murdered Congo politician Patrice Lumumba, backed by Count Ossie's group, for Worlddisc, produced by Coxsone Dodd (see here). These records were important to the growing recognition of African nationalism in Jamaica's downtown culture.

J.E. Stick was probably a pseudonym for Buster or Drumbago, whose obituary can be found here.

1962 - Come On Over - Derrick Morgan with Buster's Group - Blue Beat BB 85. Morgan is also on BB 91, BB 93 and BB 130.

1962 - Millie Girl - Owen Gray and Buster's Group - Blue Beat BB 91

Gray moved to the UK in May 1962.

1962 - They Got To Go - Prince Buster And His Torch Lighters - Blue Beat BB 101

This is the only example 45cat lists of Buster using this name for his band.

14.9.62 - Independence Song - Prince Buster And The Blue Beats - Blue Beat BB 116

Another one-off name change for the band.

1962 - Over The Hills - Eric Morris and Buster's Group - Blue Beat BB 128

1963 - African Blood - Raymond Harper And Prince Buster All Stars - Blue Beat BB 180

Raymond Harper's credit was omitted by Blue Beat but included on the Jamaican original. 

1963 - Wash All Your Troubles Away (That Lucky Old Sun) - Prince Buster BB 200

Recorded in the UK. Later released in the US on Atlantic 45-2231. It was also on his first album. Buster was criticized in the Jamaican press for using inauthentic British musicians at a time when he was promoting Jamaican culture.

1964 - I've Got A Pain - Maytals - Blue Beat BB 220

The intensity of The Maytals is matched by the beat. Great record.

1964 - Dog War - Maytals - Blue Beat BB 231

Loud with barking effects; Buster fully participates in the vocal. Also released as 'Ska War' (BB 306).

1965 - Rum & Coca Cola/And I Love - Her Prince Buster & The All Stars - Blue Beat BB 330

The A-side is an extraordinary record because Buster seems to be parodying the American appropriation of calypso rather than the original form.

1967 - Seven Wonders Of The World - Busters All Stars - Blue Beat BB 378

A brilliant piece of music - modal ska? A possible influence on "Ghost Town" by The Specials.