NEWS
HAL ANTHONY / THE MILLENNIUM BAND
A NEW ROOTS ROCK REGGAE ALBUM IS ON THE HORIZON FOR RELEASE IN FEBRUARY 2017.
THE BEST OF REGGAE MAN AH COME
Born in Frankfield Clarendon, Hal Anthony (given name Hal Anthony Lewinson) is from a musical family. His uncle, Norris Weir, was lead vocalist for The Jamaicans. He said reggae star Jimmy Cliff is also a relative, however he developed his passion through association with other foundation singers in that parish.
His love for music saw him joining the vocal group The Beltones in the early 60s. The group earned a hit song No More Heartaches. They later changed their name to The Fantells and scored with another hit song, Hooligan.
Anthony later left the group to perform with the Fab Five band for 17 years. His other singles include I Can't Hide and Reggae Man A Come.
THE JAMAICA OBSERVER: Hal Anthony recaptures festival spirit Sunday, August 03, 2014
ROOTS singer Hal Anthony added his flavour to several well-known festival songs. His album, Jamaican Festival Countdown: 1966 - 1987, will be released on Tuesday, in time to kick off the Jamaica Independence Day celebrations.
Among the tracks on the album are Baba Boom Boom (The Jamaicans, 1967); Intensified (Desmond Deckker, 1968); Sweet and Dandy (Toots Hibbert, 1969); Play Di Music (Tinga Stewart, 1974), as well as Eric Donaldson's treble on Land of My Birth (1978); Sweet Jamaica (1977) and the smash hit Cherry Oh Baby (1971).
Produced on his and Willie Lindo's Heavy Beat label, he said he was inspired to do the album because he "grew up in those times and wanted to relive the moment".