“The High Priest of Reggae”. You read these words carved into the plaque, right before you. Roy Shirley. The name might not ring a bell, but the story behind it is a cornerstone of reggae music. This is Roy Shirley’s plaque in Dalston, London, a place where he lived and worked for many years. Roy Shirley wasn’t just any reggae singer, he was a larger-than-life character, known for his booming voice and flamboyant stage presence. He even went by the name “King Roy Shirley” and “The High Priest” to highlight this larger-than-life persona. He was one of the pioneers of rocksteady, a style of reggae that emerged in the mid-1960s. He is considered one of the original members of Slim Smith’s band, The Uniques. His song “Hold Them” is recognized by some as the very first rocksteady track. He was the man who slowed down the frenetic ska rhythm creating the distinctive rocksteady beat. But Shirley had more than music on his mind. He wanted to help other artists, so he created the All Stars Artistic Federated Union, an organization that continues to support aspiring musicians. He even opened a record store in Dalston, sharing his passion with the community. Roy Shirley, the High Priest of Reggae. That’s what the plaque reads, and that’s what he was – an influential musician and a supporter of the arts. You can learn more about his music and his life story online, or just close your eyes and imagine the sounds of reggae music filling the air.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to