Dean Fraser
The Honourable Dean Fraser is a name synonymous with excellence in reggae music. A living legend whose contributions have transcended generations; Fraser's saxophone mastery has made him irreplaceable in the global music landscape. He has shaped the sound of reggae and left his mark on the broader music industry.
Born on August 4, 1957, in Kingston, Jamaica, Fraser's extraordinary career has spanned over four decades; he has become an essential voice in reggae as a musician and producer. Fraser's journey began in the heart of Jamaica, where he developed an early passion for the saxophone, mastering the instrument by his teenage years. He rose to prominence in the 1970s, joining Lloyd Parks' "We The People Band" and working with reggae greats like Dennis Brown. His early work established him as a go-to musician for some of the most iconic acts in reggae.
Fraser has contributed to thousands of recordings throughout his career. His talent and versatility have not gone unnoticed, earning him nine Grammy Winning Certificates for his work on a series of landmark albums throughout his career:
Black Uhuru – Anthem (1985)
Bunny Wailer – Time Will Tell: A Tribute to Bob Marley (1991)
Bunny Wailer – Crucial! Roots Classics (1995)
Damian Marley – Welcome to Jamrock (2006)
Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998)
Peter Tosh – No Nuclear War (1988)
Sean Paul – Dutty Rock (2004)
Shabba Ranks – Xtra Naked (1992)
Each album holds a special place in music history, and Fraser's contributions were instrumental in their success. His work on Lauryn Hill's The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill alone earned him two Grammy-winning certificates, underscoring his versatility and ability to transcend genres. Mr Fraser was recently awarded his certificates at the Back 2 Da Future Music's Grammy Certificate Ceremony in Kingston, Jamaica.
Fraser's impact extends beyond his session work. He has been a pivotal figure in the careers of many reggae artists, most notably Tarrus Riley. As Riley's musical director and producer, Fraser played an instrumental role in shaping Riley's sound and success, particularly on the critically acclaimed album Parables. Their collaboration produced timeless hits like "She's Royal" and "Stay With You,".
Fraser's production credits also include classics like Morgan Heritage's "Down By The River," which was part of a riddim juggling that he produced featuring sixteen reggae artistes. His contributions as a producer and arranger have often been compared to the legendary Quincy Jones in R&B, emphasising his Midas touch in reggae music.
Beyond his musical achievements, Fraser has been recognised with numerous prestigious awards. In 1993, the Jamaican government honoured him with the Musgrave Medal for his services to music. He has also been awarded the Order of Distinction (OD) in Jamaica and was recently presented with the Key to the City of New York as an acknowledgement of his significant contributions to the cultural landscape of Jamaica and the world.
Even after 40+ years in the industry, Dean Fraser continues to tour, record, and produce, ensuring that the rich legacy of reggae music lives on. His commitment to preserving the genre and mentoring the next generation of musicians has made him one of the Jamaican music industry's most respected and beloved figures.
