Big Joe

b. Joseph Spalding, c.1955, Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies. Big Spalding began his recording career in the early 70s. His initial sessions were with Harry Mudie, when he cut ‘Run Girl', ‘Woodcutter Skank' and ‘Black Stick Rock'. In 1973, with Lloyd Daley, he recorded ‘Glitter Not Gold', relating the aphorism to everyday life in Jamaica. With producer Winston Edwards he recorded ‘Weed Specialist', ‘Hog Inna Minty' and ‘Selassie Skank'. The latter was released in the UK through Dennis Harris' DIP label and resulted in his biggest hit. The song recalled the celebrations generated...