Michael Rose

Song: Ganja Bonanza.

Date: October 12, 1999.
Label: UNI/Heart Beat. Reggae Music.

CD: Bonanza.



Biographical notes

BORN: July 11, 1957

Reggae artist Michael Rose started his career as a singer and main songwriter for the influential and innovative Black Uhuru. Rose was born in Kingston and briefly attended St. George's College before being forced to drop out. It was his brother Joseph who introduced the teenaged Rose to the Kingston music scene. Already a talented singer, Rose encountered a number of influential figures including producer Dennis Brown, performers Big Youth, the Wailers, and Sly & Robbie, who later provided inimitable back-up rhythms with Black Uhuru. It was Niney the Observer who first "discovered" Rose and produced the young singer's early recordings that include "Love Between Us" and "Freedom over Me." Rose joined Black Uhuru in the early '80s and remained with them through 1985, the year the band became the first Reggae artists to win a Grammy for the album Anthem. While with Uhuru, Rose penned such landmark songs as "Sensemilla," "Shine Eye Gal," and "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner." Since setting out on his own, Rose has toured extensively while writing and recording prolifically. In 1990 he released the album Proud which was produced by Noel Brownie, Tyrone Downie, and Geoffrey Chung. Two years later he released the popular album Bonanza which contained several hits including "Ganga Bonanza." Rose reteamed with Sly & Robbie the following year to release a few popular singles such as "Monkey," and "Visit Dem." Rose released a self-titled album for Heartbeat in 1995 and had a number one hit on the British Black Echo chart with the song "Last Chance." Dance Wicked followed in 1997, and two years later he returned with Bonanza. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Music Guide

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