Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

Dr. Arthur Reid

MUSICIANS USED to quiver at the Treasure Isle Recording Studio when they got on the wrong side of producer Arthur 'Duke' Reid. The burly ex-cop was known to pop off a few rounds from his rifles when things were not going right.

Reid, who died 32 years ago, was posthumously awarded the Order of Distinction for his contribution to Jamaican music. His nephew, respected studio engineer Errol Brown, accepted the award yesterday during the National Honours and Awards ceremony at the National Indoor Sports Centre.

Long overdue

"Bwoy, it long overdue, Duke Reid is a pioneer. I go all over the world an' hear people play Uncle music," Brown told The Gleaner.

Only Reid's great rival, Clement 'Sir Coxsone' Dodd, can rival his catalogue of hit songs. Throughout the 1960s, their studios (Reid at Treasure Isle, Dodd at Studio One) released countless classic sides that continue to be played on radio and sampled by contemporary dancehall acts.

Born in Portland, Reid was a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force for 10 years. He started in the music business as owner of the Trojan Sound System, and also operated a liquor store at the corner of Charles and Bond streets.

Reid also established his famous recording studio at that location.

Treasure Isle's golden age began in the early 1960s with the emergence of ska with songs like Carry Go Bring Come by Justin Hinds and the Dominoes. But, it was in the latter half of that decade, when the music evolved into rocksteady, that Treasure Isle hit its stride. He produced a flurry of songs including Breaking Up and Girl I've Got a Date b Ellis, I Wish It Would Rain and Queen Majesty by The Techniques and Little Nut Tree which was recorded by The Melodians.

Reid is probably best remembered for his eccentricity in the studio. He was known to let off a couple of rounds if things did not go the way he wanted.

"When music sweet him, uncle woulda fire him Winchester an' mash up some bottle. Him neva joke," Brown recalled.

Duke Reid died from cancer in 1975 at the age of 60. The Treasure Isle catalogue was purchased by producer Sonia Pottinger and is currently distributed by American independent record company Heartbeat Records.