Gayle, Otis -& The Savoys-
Johnny Too Bad
Otis Gayle was born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1946. He started his musical career as a singer with The Virtues and Byron Lee & the Dragonaires. Gayle then started his solo career and in particular his version of 'I'll Be Around' for Coxsone Dodd (Studio Room One) became a success in 1972. In 1983 he received a Juno award. His hit 'Heaven Will Need To Have Delivered You' was certified as the very best Reggae Song. The singer also accompanied artists such as Barry White, Joe Tex and Jackie Mittoo. His status as one of rocksteady's pioneers was discovered by a new generation in 2001 when the revival label Spirit Jazz released "Studio Room One Soul", featuring Gayle's beautiful interpretation of 'I'll Be Around'. After playing a few concerts together with the Savoys (Amsterdam BeatClub, Paradiso, This Is Ska Festival, Rosslau) a soulful version of the rocksteady classic 'Johnny Too Bad' was recorded at the Van Studio's.