Delroy George Wilson was a pioneer of Jamaican music, often referred to as the country’s first child star. His career began at the tender age of 13, when he had to be lifted onto beer crates just to perform on stage. Despite his young age, Wilson made an immediate impact, becoming a major force in the ska era.
Born on 5th October 1948 in Trench Town, Kingston, Delroy was surrounded by musical talent. He attended Boys’ Town Primary School and, inspired by his surroundings, started singing at a young age. His talent didn’t go unnoticed, and he was soon introduced to legendary producer Clement “Coxsone” Dodd by a local acquaintance.
Reminiscing about his early days singing in school Wilson recalls: “I used to sing in the playfields and classrooms, and people would always gather around during breaks, wanting to hear me sing. I got a lot of encouragement from them.” However, his mother wasn’t initially thrilled about him pursuing a singing career while still in school. “She wanted me to focus on my studies,” he explained. “But that guy begged and pleaded until he finally won her over.”
Early Success with Studio One
Delroy Wilson’s first single, Emy Lou, was released in 1962 under Coxsone’s Studio One label, with the assistance of Lee “Scratch” Perry, who wrote several tracks for him. Wilson quickly became a central figure in the fierce rivalry between Coxsone and his former employee, Prince Buster. Songs like Spit in the Sky and Joe Liges—written by Perry—were direct digs at Prince Buster, showcasing Wilson’s talents and cementing his reputation in the ska world.
Further hits followed, including One Two Three, I Shall Not Remove, and Prince Pharaoh, a track featuring the voice of Dodd himself. By the mid-1960s, ska was evolving into rocksteady, and Delroy’s career transitioned smoothly into this new genre.
Transition to Rocksteady
During the rocksteady era, Wilson delivered a string of hits that showcased his vocal maturity. Tracks such as Dancing Mood, Feel Good All Over, Rain From the Skies, and I’m Not a King became instant classics. His collaborations with other artists, including Jerk in Time with The Wailers and Won’t You Come Home with Ken Boothe, further solidified his place as one of Jamaica’s top vocalists.
By this time Wilson was in his late teens and already delivering the kind of emotionally nuanced and soulful performances that would define his adult work. It was at this point, in 1967, that Delroy left Studio One and teamed up with producer Bunny Lee. This partnership yielded several standout tracks, including This Old Heart of Mine. Wilson also co-founded the W&C label with Wilburn Cole, releasing the popular singles Once Upon a Time and I Want to Love You. However, like many artist-owned labels at the time, W&C struggled to achieve commercial success.
Musical Influences and Later Career
Delroy Wilson drew inspiration from American soul and R&B artists like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Aretha Franklin. In interviews, he credited these musicians for shaping his vocal style and influencing his approach to music. Wilson also noted that even icons like Bob Marley took inspiration from American groups such as The Impressions.
“Listen to those records and you can take this from that and put it all together. Like even Bob Marley and the Wailers, people don’t realize, but even Bob Marley and the Wailers got their inspiration from listening to the Impressions. They used to listen to the Impressions day and night. That was the kind of music that was popular in the ’60s.” – Reggae Vibes Interview
In 1970, he toured the UK and recorded several tracks for Trojan Records. During this period, Wilson produced hits like This Old Heart of Mine, Footsteps of Another Man, and his timeless classic, Better Must Come. This song became an anthem for the Jamaican poor and was used as the campaign song for Michael Manley’s successful 1972 election bid. Unfortunately, this association had political consequences, as Wilson was branded a “Socialist” and saw his career suffer as a result.
Later Life and Legacy
Despite the challenges he faced, Delroy Wilson continued to produce hits throughout the 1970s. Songs like Cool Operator—which became his nickname—and I’m Still Waiting kept him in the limelight. However, by the early 1980s, the rise of DJ music and a focus on more aggressive themes in reggae led to a decline in his popularity. His health also deteriorated, partly due to a drinking problem, and he was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver.
Delroy Wilson passed away on 6th March 1995 at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. He was just 46 years old. Despite his untimely death, Wilson’s contribution to Jamaican music has not been forgotten. In 2013, nearly two decades after his passing, the Government of Jamaica posthumously awarded him the Order of Distinction for his 33-year contribution to the country’s music scene.
Delroy Wilson’s legacy as one of Jamaica’s most soulful and influential singers remains intact. His music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, a testament to his enduring impact on reggae and ska.
