The Cimarons Blue plaque is a symbol of the music scene in London during the 1970s. It is a reminder of the band’s contribution to the UK’s thriving reggae scene. The plaque itself is unassuming. It’s a simple, blue rectangle affixed to a wall on a busy London street. But to reggae enthusiasts, it is a landmark as significant as any royal palace. And the story behind The Cimarons is even more fascinating.
The Cimarons formed in 1967 in London. They were the UK’s first self-contained indigenous reggae band. Locksley Gichie and Franklyn Dunn, both Jamaican natives, met in a bus shelter. It was raining. They were teenagers who had emigrated to London. Gichie invited Dunn to a youth club where they played. They took the name The Cimarons after a popular American Western series set in Oklahoma.
Their music was deeply influenced by their Jamaican roots. They infused their sound with elements of ska, rocksteady, and roots reggae. They created a distinctive and timeless sound. They blended smooth harmonies, pulsating rhythms, and socially conscious lyrics. They spoke to the universal experiences of love, unity, and resilience.
The Cimarons played their first gig at Harlesden Cricket Club in 1968. They were primarily session musicians at Trojan Records and backed many artists. This included Jimmy Cliff, Dennis Brown, and Bob Marley. The Cimarons were studio musicians and producers on Boothe’s Everything I Own album. They appeared on Top of the Pops with Ken Boothe in 1974.
The Cimarons continued to perform throughout the 1970s and 1980s. They played with bands like The Clash and Billy Idol’s Generation X. They released several albums and toured extensively. In the late 1970s, The Cimarons did a major British tour supporting Sham 69, who had just released their John Cale-produced debut single.
The impact of The Cimarons is immeasurable. They paved the way for other UK reggae bands. They helped to make reggae a major force in the UK music scene. Their music still resonates with fans across generations. The Cimarons Blue plaque is a testament to the band’s lasting legacy. It is a tribute to the music that they made and the cultural contribution that they made to the UK.