Holly Stephey Talks to Glen Washington

Glen Washington is one of an elite group of singers who’ve not only kept Jamaica’s vocal tradition alive during the dancehall era, but also significantly added to it by writing and performing new classics of their own.

Hailing from the Jamaican parish of Clarendon, Glen was a drummer before singing his breakthrough hit, Rockers Nuh Crackers, for producer Joe Gibbs back in 1976. After leaving for Canada, he toured with artists like Shinehead before making his comeback as a solo act during the mid-nineties. Acclaim for his soulful vocals and timeless songs soon followed as hits such as Jah Glory, Down Low, Open Your Eyes, Number One Girl and Kindness For Weakness spread news of his musical rebirth far and wide.

it’s this new studio recording that’s making waves right now,  Recorded at studios in Hollywood and London under the watchful gaze of Danny Ray, The Right Road now ranks among the finest works of his career material all of it written by Glen himself, and played by a topflight assortment of musicians, including Sly & Robbie, Jazwad, Mafia & Fluxy, Computer Paul and members of the Ruff Cutt and Ras Ites’ bands.

Like most universally minded Jamaican artists raised on a steady diet of reggae, gospel and r&b, he draws no distinction between love in its spiritual or secular forms. Both have their origins in the grace of God and whilst his lyrics may sound utopian in places, they’re rooted in the personal, affirmative action of someone who’s had the courage to turn their life around, no matter the distractions or what others may say.
minority, confirming his stature as a genuine singer for the people, as well as a popular lovers’ rock artist.