Don Carlos of Black Uhuru

Biography

Don Carlos (born Euvin Spencer) Legendary Reggae Artist - Born and raised in one of the most deprived regions of Western Kingston, Jamaica, in a district notoriously known as Waterhouse, which incidentally is also a musical spawning ground for many of Reggae's greatest ever talents, such as King Tubby, Black Uhuru, The Jays, Junior Reid, and King Jammy, to name a few. Don Carlos started his singing career in 1965 in conjunction with other artists and quickly moved on to creating solo singles. In 1972, Don Carlos moved into a trio as one of the original contributors of Black Uhuru, alongside other founding members, Garth Dennis who later went on to joining the Wailing Souls, and Derrick "Ducky" Simpson. Two years after the trio's groundbreaking debut, the group split in different directions and Don Carlos continued to pursue a solo career. Within three years, developing his song writing and grooming his distinctive vocal style, "Suffering" was released in May 1981. This strong release took the industry by storm, courtesy of a heavy roots and culture flavored showcase for the Negus Roots label. This album was a massive hit in Africa, selling in unprecedented numbers.

At this time, he worked alongside Gold, his co-writer, and back up vocalist. Together, they brought through such timeless creations as Harvest Time, Day to Day Living, Them Never Know A Natty Dred Have Credentials, between 1980 to 1984. Don Carlos continued on with more releases including Laser Beam, Raving Tonight, Never Run Away, Just A passing Glance, Ghetto Living, and Deeply Concerned.

Roots and Culture, Pure Gold, Spread Out, Plantation, Slow Down Vol.3, Prophecy, Firehouse Clash, Ras Portraits, Head to Head, Jah Light, Live in San Francisco (2002), and Special Edition to name a few. There's an old saying in the music industry that claims: What goes around, comes back around. In Don's case, a request from Duckie for Don Carlos to continue his former role as lead vocalist in a rejuvenated Black Uhuru reunion resulted in another strong Black Uhuru album - Now. 1989 marked the reunion of the original vocal trio with Don, Garth and Duckie. After six years- 1989-1994 - and four albums, singing lead for Black Uhuru in the studio, and on the road, Don Carlos again went back to his solo career. His other titles with Black Uhuru include Mystical Truths, Iron Storm and Strong. All of these four albums are classics with Don Carlos up front on lead vocals. As well, each of these four titles were nominated for Grammy Awards.

After the Black Uhuru reunion, Don Carlos continued to show his inspiration thorugh his albums Ease Up, Seven Days A Week and Groove Wtih Me. During this time don kept on touring and in the new millennium he joined forces with the California based Reggae Angels for four years. He continues to tour the world successfully with his current band, Dub Vision, and has a new cd titled "Changes" which has just released in 2010.  We are pleased to have him join the Noisy Neighbors artist family for the 2010-2011 tour season and beyond.

For more information on Don Carlos visit www.doncarlosreggae.com or www.doncarlosjamaica.com

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