The "THEN & NOW" series: Philip Fraser, Jamaican dancehall's Sam Cooke.

@LeoOReggio Donate: buymeacoffee.com/loreggio Another close brethren of mine, for decades, is featured in this edition of my "THEN & NOW" series. I enjoyed filming, and full joying the company of this great singer during the golden 80s era, and more recently at local reggae dancehall events. Phillip Fraser was born on 12th February 1951 in Whitfield Town in the area of Kingston. During his late teens, he felt the inspiration of Rastafari and began to grow his locks. In his hometown of Greenwich Town, where he grew up among greats such as; Herbert Chang, Earl Zero, Sammy Dread, and Bertram Brown just to name a few. Phillip was inspired by the late Slim Smith, which led to Phillip’s first single called “This Time” which was produced on the Libra label. He and Bertram Brown founded the legendary Freedom Sound label; which took a toll on the world and produced singing greatest such as Earl Zero, Michael Prophet, Sammy Dread, Prince Allah, Rod Taylor, and Soul Syndicate. Phillip also with further to find other labels such as Root Tradition for Don Mais, and Cornerstone which were also founded by Michael Chin and Tyrone Hailey; but Phillip decided to create his own label called Razor Sound. Razor Sound started to produce songs that were done by artist like; Eeka Mouse, Tristan Palmer, the late Ranking Toyan, Scion Success, and also the debut of his son Ras Fraser. Phillip’s career gradually started to take notice when he recorded songs such as “Blood of The Saints” on the Real Rock Rhythm which was produced by Corner Stone. “Never Let Go” and “Watch This Sound” which was done in memory of the late Slim Smith. He later recorded “Mr. Wicked Man” and “Come Ethiopian” for Freedom Sound and Roots Tradition respectively which had a great impact in Europe. Phillip later began to produce his own albums, which include; ”Loving You”, “Roots Man Time” which was a combination of Phillip and his son Ras Fraser, “Never Let Go” “Sharp Like A Razor”, and “Come Ethiopian”. When Fraser returned to Jamaica he recorded for Henry “Junjo” Lawes and Barry Clarke. His hits were “Please Stay” and “When I Run Out” which both featured heavily on U Roy’s Stur Gav Sound System. Throughout the 80s and 90s, he enjoyed more hits such as, “Good Morning Mr. Officer”, “Bad Boys” and more. Phillip’s small frame and gentle manner believe in the power of his voice, as you listen to him you can hear and feel the inspiration that guides him; as he will continue to bring the good Reggae music that the world has grown to love for decades.

Added 1 May 2026