(Active years-60s – mid 1980s)
The Blues Busters were a Jamaican vocal due formed in 1960, comprising Philip James and Lloyd Campbell. They were native to Montego Bay. The Blues Busters were the most consistently popular Jamaican male duo of the early 1960s, and were part of the Jamaican party that performed at the 1964 New York World’s Fair.
They initially worked in cabaret shows for tourists in Kingston and Jamaica’s north coast. They got their big break when they were asked to accompany Sam Cooke on his tour of the island. Taking inspiration from Cooke, on returning to the cabaret circuit they emulated the soulful harmonies of his performances, and recorded a number of soul and reggae cover versions. One of the albums was a tribute to Sam Cooke.
The two singers eventually migrated to the U.S. where they eventually died, three years apart. James died after an asthma attack in 1989, while Campbell died in 1992 from a heart attack. Although the duo was encouraged to go to the US, it is a popular view that, at that time, had the Blues Busters opted to go to the UK, they probably would have been more successful.
Hits include:
- “Thinking”
- “Privilege”
- …and many more