Burning Spear

Burning Spear (born Winston Rodney on March 1, 1945) is a Jamaican reggae singer, songwriter and musician known for his roots reggae albums and his Rastafari beliefs. He is also known for his distinctive vocal style, which features a high-pitched, nasally tone.

Spear was born in Saint Ann, Jamaica, and grew up in a poor family. He began singing in church at an early age, and by the time he was a teenager, he was performing at local talent shows. In 1967, he released his first single, "Door Peep", which was a minor hit in Jamaica.

In 1969, Spear signed with Island Records and released his debut album, "Studio One Presents Burning Spear." The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Spear as one of the leading voices in reggae music.

Over the next few years, Spear released a number of successful albums, including "Marcus Garvey" (1975), "Man in the Hills" (1976), and "Dry & Heavy" (1977). These albums were praised for their powerful lyrics, which often addressed social and political issues, and for their innovative musical arrangements.

In the 1980s, Spear's popularity began to decline, due in part to the rise of dancehall music. However, he continued to release albums throughout the decade, and he eventually regained some of his former popularity.

In the 1990s, Spear experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to the release of his album "Living Dub Vol. 1" (1994). The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to introduce Spear's music to a new generation of fans.

Since then, Spear has continued to tour and record, and he remains one of the most respected and influential figures in reggae music. He has been nominated for several Grammy Awards, and he has won two.

Spear is a Rastafari, and his music often reflects his religious beliefs. He is a vocal advocate for peace and justice, and he has spoken out against racism, poverty, and war.

Spear is a gifted singer and songwriter, and he is one of the most important figures in reggae music. His music has inspired and influenced generations of musicians, and he continues to be a powerful voice for peace and justice.