Artist / Band

Leroy Brown

Origin Kingston, Jamaica - Toronto, Ontario, 🇨🇦

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Biography

Leroy Artist Brown was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica. His first encounter with singing began at church where his mother was in charge of the church choir. His mother played an instrumental role with his development and interest in music. In his youth he attended Jamaica Institute Visual Arts School and received the accredited nickname “Artist”. It was a nickname given to him by his peers. In Jamaica people had a tendency of calling others by their trade or profession – The nickname “Artist” stuck with him ever since his youth.

Alton Ellis the “Godfather of Rocksteady” discovered Leroy at the age of eleven years old. Alton became a mentor to him and they performed together as “Alton Ellis and the Flames.” They remained great friends throughout the years.

During Leroy’s teens, he joined the musical band “The Hippy Boys” alongside Aston Barrett “Family Man” and his brother Carlton Barrett. Leroy was invited by Maxi Romeo who was also a member of the Hippy Boys to join his singing group “The Emotions”. “The Emotions” included Lloyd Shakespeare, Milton Henry and Audley Rollen.

In 1971 Leroy moved to Canada where he started the musical group “The Roy’s” alongside Leroy Gibbons and Roy Reynolds . During his time in Canada Leroy produced his second album “Color Barrier”. He continued to develop and master his discography as a solo artist.

Leroy received several music awards such as The Juno Awards, The Bob Marley Memorial Award and the Black Music Awards. He has built a strong reputation as one of the founders of reggae music in Canada and is currently in a documentary that highlights other key figures.

Leroy has collaborated on several music projects with the world-renowned production duo Sly & Robbie. His newest album “In The Book” will be released in January 2021.

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