Jamaica Natural: 1 Stop Records & Distribution

Haling from St. Mary's parish m Jamaica, Jr. Toots whose given name is Clayton Hibbert was born on December 7, 1971. The son of one of Reggae music's founding fathers, Jr. Toots like so many other great Reggae singers began singing as a youth m his hometown church. As his father, Toots Hibbert, toured extensively, young Clayton lived with his grandparents m the lush tropical environment of Jamaica's countryside; and it was there he learned the importance of mans relation to nature.

As he grew older, he ventured into Kingston to take up residence with his father. While in Kingston, he was exposed to the harsh realities of city survival, which would prove influential on his music in coming years. After witnessing the daylong rehearsals of the Maytals, Jr. Toots was struck with an insatiable longing to entertain. Already beginning to develop his voice, his attendance at these rehearsals provided him with a classroom few musicians can say they have attended. Through the Maytals hard work Jr. Toots was shown exactly how to polish his craft and he took this knowledge and ran with it.

In the early 80's he migrated to the United States to live with his mother where he would further develop the Toots Vocal Style. Equipped with his father's characteristic features and trademark legendary voice, his first release was a dub plate single entitled Praise Jah (1989). Four EP's soon followed including: Harder and Harder, Dangerous Living, Poor People Feel it, and Nothing to Gain, produced by Mahroon for Wild Lyfe fe Muzik. In 1997, Jr. Toots went on to record with Everton Blender, Mickey Spice and Jack Radics on the acclaimed Reggae Mood Swingz compilation.

Featured Track

Strong
feat: Rankin Scroo

Taken from:
JNR1002
D' Vibez Live Undergound Vol I pt.1

Click here for Jr. Toots' Website

Two full-length albums followed including Honorable Youth, produced by Shaka Man of Boom Shaka and Jah Will Be Done, both released independently on Jr. Toot's own label, Jr. Toots Productions. Both albums received rave reviews and still play on college radio stations throughout the U.S. and abroad.

In 1995, Jr. Toots gained international recognition opening up for Toots and the Maytals on his first European tour. A U.S. tour with Morgan Heritage subsequently followed m 1997, and in 2001 he performed at Reggae on the River and at the Ragga Muffin's Bob Marley Festival in Long Beach, San Diego, and San Francisco. In 2002 he joined his father on tour once and again, and performed with the likes of Luciano, Israel Vibrations, and Tanto Metro and Devonte. Joining the tour m San Francisco, he would go on to play the United States culminating ma perfonI1ance at the 2002 Sierra-Nevada World Music Festival.

In 2002, Jr. Toots continues to forward Jah works with two forthcoming projects. The first, Black Christ Redemption, is a collection of stand outs from his previous independent releases; and Jr. Toots meets Steppin' Razor Productions which includes all new material with guest appearances by Toots Hibbert and Wadi Gad. Combining hints of that classic Hibbert sound with his own energetic vibes, Jr. Toots has the ability to expand upon diverse styles such as singing, deejaying and rapping; a true force to be reckoned with.

The next great evolution in Roots & Culture music is here, and his name is Jr. Toots! Forward.