The Melodians

Vocal trio The Melodians were one of Jamaica's greatest rocksteady groups, cutting a series of classic singles during the late '60s and early '70s that included the internationally famed "Rivers of Babylon" and "Sweet Sensation." The group was formed in the Greenwich Town area of Kingston in 1963 and included Tony Brevett (brother of Skatalites bassist Lloyd Brevett) and Brent Dowe, who split lead vocal duties, plus full-time harmony singer Trevor Mcnaughton. Additional member Renford Cogle never sang with the group, but wrote or co-wrote much of their material, and also served as an arranger. In their early days, The Melodians performed quite successfully in talent shows around Kingston, which eventually led to their first recording session -- for Clement "coxsone" Dodd's Studio One label -- in 1966. Only two of the four tracks were released, and drew little attention.

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