Michael Prophet
Michael Prophet (Michael George Haynes, Kingston, Jamaica, 1957 – 16 December 2017) was a roots reggae singer known for his "crying" tenor vocal style.
Michael Prophet grew up in the western Kingston ghetto of Greenwich Farm, Jamaica. He began his recording career in 1977 when he was discovered by the legendary producer Vivian Jackson, better known as Yabby You. Yabby You took Michael to Channel One where he voiced his debut song "Praise You Jah Jah".
Michael recorded many tunes for Yabby You and scored his first hit with a cover version of the Heptones' "Fight It To The Top". However, it was the deeper, more rootsy material that began to hit with an international reggae audience. Cuts like "Gates Of Zion", "Mash Down Rome", "Turn Me Loose", "Warn Them Jah" and "Creation Rock" were massive sound system tunes in the UK and staple food for the likes of Jah Shaka, Quaker City, Sir Coxsone, Fatman and Moa Ambessa - the ruling UK sounds of the era. "Turn Me Loose" was even featured in the classic movie "Babylon". Island Records released Michael's debut album "Serious Reasoning" in 1980 and this set remains a reggae classic, with its heavyweight backing was provided by The Gladiators band and his unique wailing vocals singing songs with mystical vibes.
After working with Yabby You, he also recorded for Henry "Junjo" Lawes, adapting to the prevailing dancehall sound and having his biggest hit with "Gunman". During the first half of the 1980s he recorded for producers such as Don Mais, Al Campbell, Sugar Minott, Winston "Niney" Holness, and Winston Riley, cementing his status as one of Jamaica's most popular singers. After living in Miami for a time, he moved to England, where he recorded "Your Love" which reached number one in the UK reggae chart in 1990. It was followed in 1991 by the album Get Ready, which also sold well.
Rootsman first met Michael Prophet in 1992 and they hooked up to record a number of dubplates in 2001. These tunes have rocked every single Rootsman dance since then. Finally, in January 2003 Rootsman got the opportunity to produce Michael in his Third Eye Studio. Two deep songs "Praises" and "Cry Of A Family" were voiced and will see release on Third Eye Music in the future. The tracks were deeply emotional performances as Michael travelled 200 miles from London for the session after being badly beaten by the police just 3 days earlier. Despite being cut, bruised and in considerable pain, Michael's voice and vibes were intact as he delivered two more tracks that will be added to his other numerous classics in his repertoire.
Prophet died 16 December 2017. He had been battling lung cancer and was suffering from a brain tumor.
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