Bass Culture: Duke Reid - Kingston’s Original Kingpin

The Life, Sound, and Legacy of Duke Reid and Treasure Isle Records

Before Duke Reid was a king of Jamaican music, he was a decorated cop. Before Treasure Isle was one of the greatest labels in reggae history, it was a small liquor store on Bond Street in Kingston. And before the world ever heard of U-Roy or Phyllis Dillon, Duke was already shaping the streets with a sound system so heavy it moved people physically and spiritually. He didn’t just play records—he ruled dances with a crown on his head, a revolver on his hip, and a shotgun slung across his back.

PLAYLIST

1. Duke Reid, Justin Hinds & The Dominoes – Botheration

2. The Melodians, Tommy McCook, The Supersonics – Everybody Bawling

3. Hopeton Lewis, the Tommy McCook Quintet – Boom-Sha-Ka-Lacka

4. Dave Barker, Tommy McCook, The Supersonics – Lock Jaw

5. The Techniques, Tommy McCook, The Supersonics – Travelling Man

6. The Techniques – I'm in the Mood for Love

7. Duke Reid, Justin Hinds & The Dominoes – Carry Go Bring Come

8. Duke Reid, The Melodians – Passion Love

9. John Holt, Leroy Sibbles – Let's Build Our Dreams

10. The Ethiopians, Tommy McCook, The Soul Syndicate – Pirate

11. Rosalyn Sweat, The Paragons – Blackbird Singing

12. Justin Hinds – Sinners

13. Justin Hinds & The Dominoes – Mighty Redeemer

14. Teacherman, Tommy McCook, The Supersonics – The Lesson

15. The Three Tops, Tommy McCook, The Supersonics – Do It Right

16. U-Roy, the Tommy McCook Quintet – Rule the Nation

17. The Paragons – The Tide Is High

18. Alton Ellis, Tommy McCook, The Supersonics – Breaking Up (Is Hard to Do)

19. Sir Lord Comic, Tommy McCook, The Supersonics – What a Situation (aka Black Man's Time)

20. Stranger Cole, Duke Reid's Band – Rough and Tough

21. Don Drummond, The Skatalites – Garden of Love

22. Ken Parker, Tommy McCook, The Supersonics – I Can't Hide