Get Up Edina!

Leaving a Legacy
by Joanna Wallace

The world of Ska and reggae music came to a halt this past month, when Laurel Aitken's life came to an end. Although he had not been in good health for quite some time, Mr. Aitken still pushed forward to do what he loved to do the most- Performing.

Born as Oliver Stephens in Cuba in 1927, he was surrounded by live music from the start of his long, very successful life. Laurel always expressed interest in music and performing even as a young child, and absorbed the sound of the Cuban street music from a young age. When he was 11 years old in 1938, his family picked up and moved to Kingston, Jamaica, where Laurel had even more of a chance to immerse himself in music and performing. Often, Laurel would ham it up and perform for tourists, becoming one of the regular street performers. As he got older, Laurel often participated in Vere John’s ‘Opportunity Hour’, which was often held at Kingston’s Ambassador Theatre. Laurel developed a style, which was becoming popular on the island- a mix of American R&B, Doo-Wop, and Jazz, infused with his own style and flair. His mixture of different styles and knack for performing got him quickly noticed by Stanley Motta. In 1957, Laurel recorded his first single, "Roll, Jordan Roll" at JBC’s recording studio.

Laurel's first major hit was produced by Chris Blackwell at a then up-and-coming label, Island Records. Little did Aitken know that his single he cut with Blackwell "Little Sheila/Boogie in my Bones" would spend a reported 11 weeks at #1 on the Jamaican charts in 1959. Aitken was the first Jamaican to record a number one single on the island's then American dominated charts.

One year later, Aitken emigrated to London, where many Jamaicans were going for work and better living conditions. Aitken saw with as many Jamaicans as there were in the city, there already was a market for music from the Island. He quickly got signed to Emil Shallit's Melodisc label, which already had a Jamaican subsidiary, Blue Beat. Blue Beat, then still experimental, decided to use Aitken as the artist to use on their first single, "Boogie Rock". Laurel still recorded for whom he pleased, including mainstream labels like Columbia. Also during this time, Laurel took his hand at producing, mainly with pama and their many subsidiaries, mainly NuBeat/NewBeat

Toward the late 60's and early 70's, interest in Ska had dwindled and was replaced by Reggae. However, with the growing Skinhead population in the UK, Laurel was very much in high demand and during this period, recorded many skinhead classic singles on labels from Pama to Trojan. Aitken saw that he was a Skinhead cult figure, and started catering to this crowd and writing songs that would appeal to them and their interests.

Enter the roots era of the mid to late 70's. Laurel's popularity seemed to come to a halt, but only temporarily. The 2Tone movement in the UK revived the interest in Ska as well as the Rudeboy and Skinhead Culture. Laurel's popularity soared once again as he performed for the new generation of rudies and skins. During the 80's, Mr. Aitken teamed up with London's Potato 5, once again reaching another young generation's interest in both Ska and Reggae.

Laurel continued to perform throughout the 90's, as well as through the beginning of the new century. Although the past couple years, Aitken's health has not been up to par, he continued to perform quite often in England, most often at Club SKA, even releasing a new live album and DVD. Laurel was hospitalized off an on quite often the past year, having double pneumonia as well as other respitory problems. During his 6 week stay in late 2003 at Leicester Royal Infirmary, he married his partner of 35 years, Sandra.

On July 17th, 2005, Laurel passed away from a heart attack at Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, England. This marks the end of a long legacy of music, as well as the death of a legend in our community. Laurel contributed all he had to music his entire life. His career spanned well over four decades and has affected many of us in our every day lives. He will stay alive in the form of scratchy 45's, photos from performances, and in the memories of those who have seen him and met him.

His family posted the following announcements in the Leicestershire:

AITKEN,Laurel- A very special father who was always there for me. Your kindness was no weakness you cared so much for me, full of understanding for everyone to see. In life you sang your songs for everyone to hear, you sang so sweetly daddy. I wish you was still here. _ From your loving Daughter Karlene. Your singing with the Angels now, so sing on Laurel, sing on (Billy). Gentle Jesus up above, Please give grandad all my love. God bless. _ Karlene, Amber and Billy.

AITKEN,Laurel- Passed away July 17th, 2005. I've tried so hard to write these words, To say how much I love you, The more I try, the more I cry, Laurie I really miss you, I laugh, I talk, I play the part, But behind my smile, Lies a broken heart. - Your devoted Wife Sandra. Funeral arrangements to follow at later date.

AITKEN,Laurel- I watched you suffer everyday, knowing that you were slipping away. I prayed so hard for you to stay. My dad I loved you more than words could say. - Heart broken Daughter Desley, Son-in-law Kara and Grandchildren Chanel, Jade, Laura and Kibbi.

Rest In Peace, Godfather.