Leroy Brown is a mainstay in the Reggae Music scene. An accomplished bass player, guitarist, song writer and producer hailing from the musical bastion of West Kingston, Jamaica, Leroy has made Canada his home since 1971. He is most likely the man responsible for introducing many Canadians to the musical style of his heritage and keeping the Reggae music scene vibrant and alive in Canada. A charismatic and personable stage performer he continually attracts audience wherever he performs. He has a very busy production and concert schedule promoting various solo projects and developing artists who he is producing.
Current Activities
Leroy Brown is currently working with the legendary production duo of Sly & Robbie and Canadian producer John Forbes producing various artists not just for Reggae but in all musical genres.
Leroy’s latest solo project Color Barrier has been released in Europe through notable Reggae label MAKKASOUND based in Paris, France.
Leroy is a primary contributor to a CD project entitled “Victory”, which features many artists that he has worked with throughout the years including Sly & Robbie, Glen Washington, John Forbes, Stranjah Cole, Leroy Gibbon and others. The CD is being aligned with a campaign for “Victory over Violence” in support of various scholarship funds in the names of victim who have succumbed to gun violence. In Toronto the scholarship fund will be administered by The Tropicana Organization. The campaign, which is an international project, will be aligned with other community organizations around the world.
Leroy has entered into a publishing and distribution agreement with Backstage Productions International, which will see his substantial collection of masters reissued, with an emphasis on digital distribution, making his music available world-wide through The Orchard, a leading player in the digital distribution arena. His music is also being placed in films and television programs through Star Satellite Music Publishing.
AWARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Leroy has be the recipient of many awards including: The JUNO AWARDS, The Black Music Awards, The Canadian Reggae Music Awards and The Bob Marley Memorial Award.
Honored by CARAS - The Juno Awards
- 2004 - JUNO Award Winner for the song “RENT-A TILE” composed by Leroy Brown and produced by Sly and Robbie.
- 2003 - CARAS nomination for a JUNO Award for the hit song, “Heartache”, release on Big People Music Volume 9 distributed through Jet Star UK.
- 1997 - CARAS Nomination for a JUNO Award for the album was “Nice And Slow”.
The Canadian Reggae Music Awards (CRMA)
Leroy has been recognized for his contributions to the reggae industry in Canada and across the world.
- 1990 CRMA Award for top performer also winning top single of the year for “I’ll Be Lonely”.
- 1984 received his first CRMA for “Island In The Stream” which he sang with Nana Mclean.
Additional
Leroy holds the distinction of being discovered by Alton Ellis, one of Reggae Music’s founding icons. After being discovered by Alton Ellis he went on to record for producer Sonia Pottinger on the High Note Label in the late sixties. He was the lead singer for the Hippy Boys’ Band which included Family Man and his brother Carlton Barrett who later joined Bob Marley and the Wailers. Leroy was also the lead singer for the Emotions.
