Trojan Records Release John Holt & Ken Boothe “Essential Artist Collection” Compilations

Trojan Records have released Essential Artist Collections for John Holt and Ken Boothe, a brand new series of artist focused compilation albums showcasing some of the very best talent from the label’s esteemed roster. These releases will be followed by Desmond Dekker and Marcia Griffiths on the 2nd June. Championing their stellar catalogues, the series highlights the most important ska and reggae tracks from the most influential artists and groups with each title available in double colour vinyl, double CD and digital formats.

After fronting popular Jamaican vocal trio The Paragons on a succession of best-selling rock steady singles during the late Sixties, John Holt went on to become one of Jamaica’s most popular solo performers, scoring a series of reggae hits for many of the island’s leading record producers. His international breakthrough came in 1974 with the hugely popular 1000 Volts of Holt album, which fused raw reggae rhythms with sophisticated orchestral arrangements. The highlight of the long-player was a reworking of Kris Kristoffersson‘s country hit, Help Me Make It Through The Night, which the following year became a global hit. Over the years that followed, Holt remained a giant of the reggae scene with further best sellers and numerous sell-out shows around the world.

Arguably the most gifted Jamaican performer of his generation, Ken Boothe is today widely regarded as a living legend, having recorded innumerable ska, rock steady and reggae classics over a period spanning some 60 years. After making his recording debut in 1962, Ken enjoyed a hugely successful career in Jamaica before achieving international stardom in 1974 with his chart-topping interpretation of Everything I Own and the top 10 follow-up, Crying Over You. These new Essential Artist Collections follow recent releases from icons The Skatalites and The Maytals, featuring only the best hits from their esteemed, much loved catalogues.