Cornell Campbell, the original Gorgon, was in Paris a few days ago...
It was the dream opportunity to meet this artist with the exceptional voice.
A singer who is part of the foundations of Jamaican music, from Studio 1 through Channel 1... Cornell Campbell is still here almost 50 years later, and we are eager to hear his future productions (notably on Patate Records) and perhaps see him in concert in France soon...
It was the dream opportunity to meet this artist with the exceptional voice.
A singer who is part of the foundations of Jamaican music, from Studio 1 through Channel 1... Cornell Campbell is still here almost 50 years later, and we are eager to hear his future productions (notably on Patate Records) and perhaps see him in concert in France soon...
First of all, can you introduce yourself?
Cornell Campbell Yeah man, Cornell Campbell, the original Gorgon, I'm a singer who is one of the foundations of Jamaican music. I've been singing since 1956, when I was very young. I made my first track, "My Treasure", for Sir Coxoon Downbeat; the track was backed by the Skatalites (Roland Alphonso, Don Drummond, Jungo was on drums). Then I continued on my way to King Edwards, where I formed a group: the BellStars, who made a few singles for King Ewards.
Afterwards I went to Treasure Isle, where Jimmey Riley and I formed the group the Sensations; we then made a track for Duke Reid that was a success, and then I formed a group called the Eternals, who had hits such as "Star", "Queen of the Ministrel" and many others. I then went to Bunny Lee (Channel One) and sang as a solo artist.
Afterwards I went to Treasure Isle, where Jimmey Riley and I formed the group the Sensations; we then made a track for Duke Reid that was a success, and then I formed a group called the Eternals, who had hits such as "Star", "Queen of the Ministrel" and many others. I then went to Bunny Lee (Channel One) and sang as a solo artist.
How did you meet Sir Coxsone Dodd, and can you tell me about your work at Studio 1?
Cornell Campbell It was a very great experience for me as a young boy.
A friend, Keneth Samuel, went to talk to him and told him I had potential, and he then encouraged me to go and find Rico Rodriguez (the Skatalites' trombonist), who, in association with Sir Coxsone, wanted to record me.
From that day on I never stopped singing.
A friend, Keneth Samuel, went to talk to him and told him I had potential, and he then encouraged me to go and find Rico Rodriguez (the Skatalites' trombonist), who, in association with Sir Coxsone, wanted to record me.
From that day on I never stopped singing.
How old were you when you recorded all those hits?
Cornell Campbell I was 11 at the time.
Where does the name "Don Gorgon" come from?
Cornell Campbell I got it during a clash. During a clash with various artists such as Prince Buster and Derrick Morgan. Bunny Lee and I arrived at the studio after the clash and we recorded this tune.
Can you tell me how your work at Channel One went?
Cornell Campbell Bunny Lee was a great worker. We didn't sleep and we didn't waste our time. We did nothing but work, which allowed us to make many hits. I was a good songwriter and I still am. I played guitar and Bunny Lee only had to choose the song he wanted.
Why did you decide to pursue a solo career after that?
Cornell Campbell Originally, when I started singing I was a solo artist. I did form many groups, however, and then I told myself that a group in Jamaica couldn't work, because we sometimes didn't share the same ideas and it would end in arguments, mostly over money.
That's why I now sing as a solo artist.
That's why I now sing as a solo artist.
A year ago, Blood & Fire released a compilation entitled "I shall Not remooved"...
Cornell Campbell Yes, that compilation served to promote me, to show the world my talents.
Have you toured a lot?
Cornell Campbell Yes, since 1975 I have played concerts in Canada, the United States and England.
This is the first time I'm in France, and we are planning to do shows in April. I'm here at the moment more to do promotion than to do shows.
This is the first time I'm in France, and we are planning to do shows in April. I'm here at the moment more to do promotion than to do shows.
What are your plans at the moment?
Cornell Campbell As soon as I get back to Jamaica, I'm going to work in the studio and record new tracks, and I'm also planning to work on a new label.
And I'm announcing that I'm re-forming the Uniques; Al Campbell and I are back as a duo...
And I'm announcing that I'm re-forming the Uniques; Al Campbell and I are back as a duo...