Tune of the Week: Funky Reggae

Jamaican popular music has always had a connection to rhythm and blues music from the United States. The owners of the earliest sound systems on the island would travel to New Orleans and return with steamer trunks filled with 7” singles of the latest and greatest from the Mississippi basin. With the advent of reggae music amidst a swelling of political violence songs reflecting the civil rights struggle in the States became popular in JA, spawning many cover versions. George Saulé had a top 40 r’n’b hit in 1972 entitled “Get Involved”. His empassioned plea for greater political involvement became popular in Jamaica and the UK as well. The following year Freddie McGregor scored a hit by recording a reggae-fied version for the World Champ label. Someone could have a hit covering this song today as the message continue to resonate. People in power do not do enough for those in need. Everyone must feel a responsibility to do their part to make things more equal. You’ve got to get involved!