Ansel Collins

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BIOGRAPHY

Ansel Collins (sometimes spelled Ansell, Ansil or even Ancel) along with Dave Baker is one half of the legendary duo, Dave and Ansel Collins who  entered the history books as the first all male duo to top the British National charts with 'Double Barrel'. The unprecedented success of that proto deejay recording saw Dave & Ansel being the Sean Paul of their day! Originally created as an instrumental recording, Ansel gave the track to then up & coming producer, Winston Riley, who in turn recorded Dave Barker on the track with his American influenced toasting and the rest as they say is history. The success of the track however  almost threatened to overshadow the importance of Collins as a musical force.

 Collins' unique keyboard playing exemplified the Skinhead reggae style of the 1970's. This celebrated keyboardist, producer, and occasional singer was born in 1949 in Kingston, Jamaica. He has worked alongside some of the most iconic figures in the reggae world including Lee 'Scratch' Perry and Jimmy Cliff. As a keyboard player and pianist there are few musicians who have performed on more recordings than Collins. In the 1970’s when Jamaican music was celebrating its heyday on the global music stage Collins could be found as a member of every session band for the most prolific producers of the time, including the Aggravators (Bunny Lee), Upsetters (Lee Perry), The Proffessionals (Joe Gibbs), Revolutionaries (Channel one recordings) GG Allstars (Alvin Ranglin) and the Techniques All Stars (Winston Riley)

As a musician, Collins also released a number of solo records including "Cock Robin", "Atlantic One" and "Nuclear Weapon". Jamaica has been blessed with many talented musicians who have made an indelible contribution to the development of music worldwide.  Keyboardist Ansel Collins, is one such musician who should be lauded by generations to come though unfortunately his work is sadly often overlooked.