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POD: The Bassa Meets John Public and Black Echoes
April 28, 2008 12:10 AM PDT
The Bassa Meets John Public and Black Echoes Yes it was inevitable - we knew it would happen; the Bassa has become a european sensation. landing on the Black Echoes Radio Show with our friend, John Public. the DJ and Producer discuss the foundations of the Reggae Business during Bassa's Tenure first in Jamaica - and then the UK; before finally planting Musical Ambassador Records in Florida; where they are still headquartered after 25 years.
 The Head Honcho of Musical Ambassador Records , sets the record straight on lots of history. the subject of Johnny Ringo brings some personal revelations; obviously tinged with a bit of personal emotion. Trevor produced the final project for the bad bwoy dj - Johnny Ringo. he discusses the last meetings and the time in the studio - as they worked on the album.
John Public also delves into Bassa's friendship with the recently departed Mikey Dread. The revelations about African Map, and intimate details about Trevor's part in the production are pryed out for what is apparently the first time..
John Public Nah Easy - Respeck Dat !
The program was produced in February 08' with John Public and the entire Black Echoes Crew - from Ireland; it was broadcast in the same month, and still continues to receive rebroadcast requests.
Brilliant Musical Selections and Witty Short Chats make this a Keeper; be sure to save it to a CD - as Musical Ambassador will be adding this one to its treasure trove of Podcasts available for .99 at ITunes really soon.
Bless Up All King and Queen, Emperor and Empress, BadBwoy and Rude Gal; Matey and Friend - we bring you "The Bassa Meets John Public and Black Echoes Sound of Ireland"
Come In My Selecta - String UP NowYoy Yoyyyy - Get Your Mikey Dread I-ficial Nine Nite Buttons
March 29, 2008 02:55 PM PDT
WE Invite YOU and All to our Electronic Nine Night Celebration in Honor of the Dread At The Control - Michael "Mikey Dread" Campbell; who left us on March 15, 2008 
What is a Nine Night ?Well that's simple - it's a celebration in honor of the dearly departed. it's called a wake in europe and america; in the caribbean - we call it a Nine Night. With our special relationship to Mikey, we had to do something in keeping with his legacy and his love - Music. Yes, the first ever Electronic Nine Night - For Mikey Dread. You can participate, by placing this button on your website, and by blogging; Playing some Mikey Dread Music - or just sharing Mikey's Ital Roots and Culture Message with another one. Say a Prayer for Mikey's Peaceful transition and rest. enjoy this short clip from bnet.com "In contrast to European cultures, in Jamaica people do not wait for an invitation to a funeral or a nine night, the latter of which starts its count from the date of death and has its grand finale nine nights later. People come from miles away to nine nights, traveling in open-back trucks and singing and dancing all the way to the home of the deceased. Song is central to the nine night ceremony. Most songs are taken from a hymnal known locally as the "sankey," and the singing takes place three days after the death and nine nights after the death. The night before the burial, tradition dictates a "set up" (wake), and 40 days after the death another singing must take place. This rite of passage is to placate the spirit of the deceased, which roams for 40 days and nights before finally resting. During the nine night ceremony - which typically is held either on the veranda or in a tentlike structure built next to the house from bamboo and coconut materials - a table covered with a white cloth, on which fried fish and cassava bammy (cake) or white bread sits, occupies center stage. All the food must be left on the table until midnight, when, it is said, the spirit of the deceased passes through and has something to eat. Like. song, strong drink is central to nine night. No such death ritual or funeral ceremony is complete without the one thing guaranteed to establish links with the spirit of the dead - 100-proof Jamaican white rum. No rum, no singing; more rum, more singing, dancing and merriment."
Mikey Dread will be laid to rest on April 5, 2008 in the same cemetery as his Parents in Port Antonio, Jamaica. We ask you to help with Mikey's Electronic Nine night, by placing this button on your website, and by Playing some Mikey Dread Music; Reading a poem or writing a blog about Mikey Dread's Message of Peace and Love. We ask that you big Mikey up as he departs for his final show with the almighty Jah Rastafari.
Mikey Dread - You've paved the way to Zion My Idren
March 17, 2008 01:57 PM PDT
WE Wanted to take a moment out and share the wonder of our Idren Mikey Dread - before the world fades him to Black.
Mikey was an extraordinary individual; as charismatic and talented as the day was long. His charm opened many doors - and his personal choices slammed others shut. Mikey Left Us on Saturday March 15, 2008 at approximately 4:30pm in Connecticut; surrounded by his loving family and relishing in his glorious career and lifetime accomplishments It may be years before we see the full payout from his shrewd business decisions come to fruition in platinum sales. But be assured that with Mushiya and Monika - Mikey's Angels at the helm, his legacy will continue to Flourish and Grow for many many years to come. Mikey left at least two albums in different stages of completion; and we are sure that in time when the vault is opened, we will find masterpieces of Mikeys' Creativity readied for release. who knows how many reels of unconverted tape Mikey kept in secret boxes. during our interview he hinted to me that he had several Unfinished Edi Fitzroy cuts - that he planned to release if they resumed their collaboration. which now will never happen. I still wonder if those gems will see the light of day, when Monika decides what to release and when.
Today I realized that during the final 3 years of Mikeys' time with us, he built the foundation of stability that will sustain his legacy. His marriage to Monika left a sour taste in the mouths of some, but for Mikey it was Pure Joy. Monika provided Mikey with his final platinum act - A Son "Jah Light" - born in October of 2007 - and from all reports, The Apple Of His Fathers Eye. We spoke with Reggae Superstar and Radio Personality Edi Fitzroy and The Musical Ambassador Trevor Elliott; Two of Mikeys' oldest business confidants; last night, about their relationships with Mikey Dread. They both related to me their memories in balmy terms of how Mikey did business - Shrewdly. I know that for Edi, it has been very difficult personally to deal with the memories of their painful breakup as a duo - because he often felt disappointed in the loss of such a great collaborative team. they both went on to become blockbuster artists in their own rights; but when we look back, wouldn't we all want to hear just one more tune with Edi and Mikey.. I know I sure did. During my interview with Mikey in June 2007, we talked in length about his feelings about the break up with Edi Fitzroy; and he was also still sad and he lamented to me openly about the loss of both their working collaboration and the damage it did to their friendship. I learned from Edi just last night that Mikey had phoned him last while he was in California performing; and that they had discussed the possibility of a two man tour. Edi told me that Mikey had said "Ok, come mek we do it"; finally. I believe Mikey said it, to instill hope in Edi that their friendship was again on the uproad to repair. Mikey undoubtedly knew by this time that his tumor had returned; and I personally believe that he was already in preparation for his longterm treatment. maybe the tour was on his "bucket list" - who knows with Mikey Dread; as he always teased you with possibility. how great that would have been. to see the two lions roaring side by side. the world will never have that chance now that Mikey has left us and gone to Zion. When I spoke to Trevor Elliott earlier today, he casually informed me that Mikey directed him into the engineers booth, to act as engineer when he was recording"African Map". This is the very tune he handed to Trevor 30 years later, as he made plans to move from Florida to North Carolina last summer. Trevor had no idea that this would be his last time sitting and drinking a juice with his idren, Mikey Dread. this past fall when Trevor got the call about the tumor, he was afraid this would be Mikey's last fight. he knew how hard the previous battle had been for Mikey, with the first tumor; and that Mikey had resigned himself to Do As Much Work as He Could, before he couldn't. Mikey Was A Work a Holic to the end.. having dates still booked; even after he was diagnosed with the deadly brain tumor. Mikey never gave up hope, or complained about his illness. he was a perfect example of preparation in action for your trip to zion. I am deeply saddened by the loss of My Friend and Mentor, Mikey Dread - but mostly I am glad to have had the privilege of being the One He Trusted, enough to Give His Final Interview for the world. BadGalsRadio.com Shall Celebrate Mikey Dread's Nine Night in collabaration with FoundationSound.co.uk; ReggaeNostalgia.com; MoreFyah Website which should be available tomorrow. It remains our resolve to respect Mikey's wishes that you - Mikey Dread fans are taken care of and will provide a space for you all to come together as one and give tribute and respect to the Rastaman we all loved. Mikey is no longer with us in body, but remains; in our hearts and our minds always through his vast collection of music his spirit will always live on. Mikey always said "Praise Jah Jah and live on, Jah work is not over, Jah work has just begun, Jah work is not done, Serve Jah and live up, Serve him all your life." Through this ordeal, Mikey remained upbeat, he lived his life to the fullest, was loved by many and in the end was surrounded in Love and was cared for by his sister, wife, nieces, nephews and brothers in Connecticut. MIKEY DREAD Michael Campbell, a.k.a. Mikey Dread is one of the most influential performers and innovators in reggae music. His abilities, technical expertise, and unique vocal delivery combine to create a unique sound that tells the listener emphatically that it is the "Dread at the Controls." Perhaps Mikey's work with The Clash has garnered him with the most recognition, but his credentials and resume started long before his eye-opening production on several releases with the renowned Punk Stars from London. His work and interaction with The Clash was a significant event in the integration of reggae into popular music throughout the world. The album, "Black Market Clash", is a brilliant fusion of late 1970's punk rock and a heavy reggae bass and drum line. The reggae aspect of The Clash's album distinguished their sound from the other punks that emerged in the 1970's. Soon thereafter, it was a must for just about every punk band to have a reggae cover song on their album. Mikey was the first Producer ever to produce a UK chart hit for The Clash" Bank Robber" and later produced several reggae cuts on their internationally recognized Album "Sandinista." Mikey's avid interest in reggae music led him to acquire an immense collection of crucial vinyl which he used to gain notoriety as a young DJ and audio engineer with the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) where he began his broadcasting career in 1976 he developed his own unique broadcasting style, which has been adopted by virtually every reggae radio show in Jamaica and the world today. His radio show, which became known as "Dread at the Controls," was firmly established as the Number One Radio Show in Jamaica. Mikey was awarded Top Radio Personality of the Year in 1977-1978. In 1979, having resigned from JBC, Mikey decided to expand his career by getting more involved in the actual production of not only his own music, but also the work of others such as Sugar Minott, Junior Murvin, Earl Sixteen, Wally Bucker, Sunshine, Jah Grundy and Rod Taylor. His activities attracted the attention of The Clash, who asked Mikey to work with them. They produced "Bank Robber" and the already mentioned "Black Market Clash", which sold over 3 million copies. His work on The Clash's most famous album "Sandinista" is internationally recognized. Mikey studied at the National Broadcasting School in London where he perfected his media production/radio broadcasting skills, graduating with special commendations in 1980. Mikey Dread has used his great and refined engineering talents to further reggae music in the United Kingdom and the world. He believes in a multimedia approach to publicizing reggae. Some of his works in the United Kingdom include narrating reggae documentaries, hosting series such as "Rockers Roadshow" and the ever popular six-part Channel 4 reggae documentary series "Deep Roots Music". "Pave the Way" did what the title suggest for Mikey's career by appealing to a broad audience with catchy numbers like the track's "Reggae Hit Shot", a dance song on the Hustle rhythm. The album "Happy Family" is another step in the evolution of Mikey's upbeat sound. He later recorded "The Source (Of Your Divorce)" for Warner Brothers Records USA, which obtained regularly rotated video airplay on BET as well as on MTV's hip-hop/rap program"Yo MTV Raps". MTV's Sunsplash Special, which was shot in his native Jamaica, featured Mikey's video in 1990. Mikey released "Mikey Dread's Best Sellers" (Rykodisc, 1991), a stunning compilation of Mikey's best known songs including "Barber Saloon" (#1 on Jamaican and British Reggae charts in 1979), and the classic "Roots and Culture" . Mikey then went on to record "Profile" and "African Anthem Revisited" (RAS Records, 1991). He toured in Europe and the USA with Freddie McGregor, Lloyd Parks and We The People Band and also the Roots Radics Band. In 1992, he collaborated with former Guns n' Roses guitarist Izzy Stradlin on a duet entitled "Can't Hear 'Em". He also headlined a charity event in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he earned a merit award from the Mayor. Other projects during this period include producing the Ju Ju Hounds on "Can't Hear 'Em" and "Pressure Drop". One of his tracks "Breakdown the Walls" was featured in the movie "The Rift." Also in this year he was nominated for a NAIRD award, an award from the Billboard Magazine, for his work on his album "Mikey Dread's Best Sellers". In 1993, Mikey Dread was involved in several projects, including his tour supporting the album "Obsession" and working in TV with the Caribbean Satellite Network (CSN) where he was Program Director and On Air personality as well as Producer of various shows. These shows included "Artists Profile", "New Video Showcase", "Video Dub Plate", "Christmas Around The Caribbean", "Christmas with the Children", "Celebrity Guest DJ" , a mini documentary on the music of Trinidad and Tobago and "The Bob Marley Hall of Fame Induction". Mikey furthered his knowledge of TV/Video Production at the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale, where he graduated in 1996 with Honors and at Lynn University in Boca Raton / Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Communications, with Magna Cum Laude honors. Other activities done by "The Innovator" include working for the Video Jukebox as voice-over talent in several Reggae TV Commercials. The Culture Award of Honor in the Martin's International Reggae Music Awards in Chicago was presented to him in 1994. He also participated in the Caribbean Music Festival as an Entertainment Consultant in Nassau / Bahamas throughout the 1990's. In 1995, he worked as a Radio DJ for WAVS 1170 AM and WAXY-AM 790 in Miami, Florida. In 1996 he participated in the Essential Music Festival as a performer in Brighton, U.K. He worked as a News Photographer for Metro Video shooting daily TV news stories for NBC-6 News station in Miami / Florida and in the summer of 1998 he performed at several European Festivals in Germany, Belgium and Austria. In February 1999 Mikey performed with the School Band at the 18th Annual Bob Marley Day show in San Diego and also at the Long Beach Arena in California. One of the better character traits of Mikey Dread is that he has refused to over saturate the Reggae market by simply not appearing on every Reggae event. This has helped him to maintain his credibility and mystique. Michael Campbell is a man of world diversity and immense resourcefulness. His rhythms have defined reggae and have helped with its global development. From "Pave The Way" to "Breaking Down the Walls", there is a unique blend of rhythms only found in the man that everyone seems to see as "Dread at the Controls". Mikey Dread's origination of reggae broadcast programming has given the world a formula for reggae that has been adopted by DJ's and broadcast networks worldwide. Today Mikey Dread continues his mission taking Reggae music door to door with the release of his Limited Edition CD "World Tour" however his 1980 album "World War III" has begun selling huge numbers again. Throughout the years 1998-2001 Mikey has been making impressive and captivating live concert performances with the Fully Fullwood Band across Hawaii and California. Most recently he has performed in Brighton, England with his UK Band "Colors" late October 2001 getting rave reviews and requests from other venues to return to Europe in 2002. His performances in Italy in November 2001 in Bari and Rome has re-established him as one of the original roots reggae icons of the mid-seventies/early 80s reggae era of Jamaican music. His mission continues, globally.
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About REWelcome to BadGalsRadio - RawRootsPodcast. We're Reggae in a Gal-Bassed Style and Fashion. 5th in the line of succession in the ASID Dynasty, Mama ASID; the Empress in Charge - Rules with Reality. Truth and Blessings, Love and Forward Motion to All. Share Us With Your Friends and Family and Subscribe to Our Blog on BadGalsRadio; You'll be Glad You Did..
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Having spent a few hours chatting here and there with Mikey, I feel empowered to relay his message in "His Way".
Unlike many other great Reggae Producers and Talents - Mikey controlled the rights and business contracts of his musical productions to the end. His legacy will yield gold for his family; as he designed in his last years. when things got bad in the early years, Mikey held back signing contracts after deals stunted his growth prematurely. he knew that if he controlled his music, and his distribution - he would be a hit, always.
When he left us in February 08; we didn't have a chance to honor him properly. knowing we could never forget his contribution - 
To this day - no other reggae producer has Gone out of the Business after loosing their company in a scandal - and resurfaced with a string of top hits. we all remember the Infamous 
