Keith Hudson: The Dark Prince of Reggae

Keith Hudson, often referred to as the “Dark Prince of Reggae,” was a groundbreaking Jamaican producer, singer, and songwriter whose work significantly influenced the sound of dub and roots reggae in the 1970s. Born in Kingston in 1946, he grew up around future legends like Bob Marley and Delroy Wilson. After working as a dental technician, he invested his earnings in recording sessions. He launched his career by producing hits such as Ken Boothe’s “Old Fashioned Way” and quickly established himself as an independent producer with his own labels, including Imbidimts and Mafia. Unlike many of his contemporaries who focused on singles, Hudson approached reggae with a visionary album-first mindset, weaving together songs and versions to create concept-driven works that played like narratives from start to finish.

PLAYLIST

1. Don D Jnr – Evil Spirit

2. Keith Hudson; Chuckles – Satan Side

3. Keith Hudson – Michael Talbot Affair

4. Keith Hudson – Playing It Right Dub

5. Big Youth – S.90 Skank

6. Ken Boothe – Old Fashioned Way

7. U-Roy – Dynamic Fashion Way

8. I-Roy; Keith Hudson – Silver Platter

9. Keith Hudson – Torch of Freedom

10. Keith Hudson – Pick A Dub

11. Keith Hudson – Black Heart

12. Keith Hudson – Depth Charge

13. Keith Hudson – Hunting Version

14. Keith Hudson – Darkest Night Version

15. Keith Hudson – My Nocturne (Talk Some Sense Version)

16. Keith Hudson – Rasta Communication

17. Keith Hudson – I’m No Fool

18. Keith Hudson – I Won’t Compromise