New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Shore Fire Media) It has taken years of planning for Dig Deeper founders Michael Robinson and Richard Lewis to book legendary Jamaican singer Ken Boothe (aka Mr. Rocksteady) for their series of Brooklyn soul parties - painstakingly amassing an unparalleled collection of his 45s, 12"s, and LPs in the process. The enigmatic Boothe has popped up in outer borough dancehalls but will now be coming to Brooklyn for a rare full band headlining show with Dig Deeper on May 3 at Littlefield, backed by Slackers side-project Crazy Baldhead.
Listen to Ken's 1966 nugget "Lonely Teardrops":
Ken is one of the most soulful voices of Jamaican music and is prolific in everything from ska, rocksteady, reggae and roots, but his performances in the USA have been few and far between. This is the third event of 2013 from Dig Deeper founders Michael Robinson and Richard Lewis, who have put on over 30 shows with over 35 forgotten greats via their Brooklyn soul and R&B parties.
Ken's career started in the early '60s and he released his landmark LP, 'Mr, Rocksteady' in 1968. Songs like "When I Fall in Love," "I Don't Want To See You Cry" and "Puppet On A String" define the sound of the era and cemented his place as a local hitmaker. He remained immensely popular in Jamaica throughout the late 60s/70s and was exposed to a worldwide audience after his 1974 cover of Bread's "Everything I Own" hit #1 on the UK singles chart. He continues to record to this day, and in 2003, the Jamaican government awarded him the Order of Distinction for his contributions to the country's music heritage.
Ken will be backed by Crazy Baldhead, an NYC reggae/ska/dub super group and Slackers side project, and they'll open the show as well. Guest DJ's Deadly Dragon Sound System and Grace of Spades will join Dig Deeper founders Michael and Richard (Mr. Robinson and DJ Honky) spinning soul and Jamaican 45s before and after the live sets.
*May 3: Ken Boothe w/ Crazy Baldhead @ Littlefield; 622 Degraw St, Brooklyn, NY
