Born Lloyd James in Kingston, Jamaica, Jammy, also known as Prince Jammy, became a legendary figure in reggae music, especially known for his pioneering work in digital reggae in the 1980s. From an early age, Jammy was deeply involved in the sound system business, building amplifiers and repairing electrical equipment in his mother’s house in the Waterhouse area of Kingston. Jammy left Jamaica in the early 70s to work in Canada, gaining a reputation in live stage shows and studio work.
He returned to Kingston and joined King Tubby’s team as an engineer, after Tubby’s top engineer, Phillip Smart, moved to New York. Jammy expanded his own studio and sound system in the late 70s and started producing his own records, including the debut album of Black Uhuru. In 1985, Jammy produced Wayne Smith’s “Under Me Sleng Teng”, using a Casio keyboard rhythm, which revolutionized reggae music by introducing digital production.
Jammy’s influence dominated reggae music through the 80s and 90s, with his sound system and records being highly influential, and he brought into his camp notable figures like Bobby Digital and musicians Steely And Clevie. Although Jammy’s output slowed down in later years, his contributions remain seminal in the digital era of reggae, significantly shaping the genre’s sound.
Most recently, in 2023, VP Records released a series of King Jammy-produced projects, including his Cries For the Youth compliation, the Wailing Souls’ Stormy Night, Cultural Roots Running Back to Me, and Gregory Isaacs’ Rebirth of the Cool Ruler. These followed five projects previously released through the producer’s partnership with the label.