Early Life and Family Background
Justin Hinds was born on May 7, 1942, in Steer Town, located in the parish of Saint Ann, Jamaica. He was the youngest of three children born to Alphonso Hinds, a respected folk healer and preacher at the Macedonia Revival Church, and Edith McBean. Raised in a spiritually rich environment, Hinds was deeply influenced by his father’s religious practices and the community’s Revivalist traditions. His early exposure to music came through church services and Nyabinghi gatherings, where he began honing his vocal skills.
Education and Musical Formation
Hinds attended Chalky Hill Elementary School, where he received his foundational education. His musical journey began in the church, where he sang from a young age. Influenced by artists like Fats Domino, Louis Jordan, and Chuck Jackson, Hinds formed a singing group with friends, adopting the name “The Dominoes” as a tribute to his favorite artist and the game of dominoes.
Career Trajectory and Notable Accomplishments
Formation of Justin Hinds & The Dominoes
In the early 1960s, Hinds teamed up with Dennis Sinclair and Junior Dixon to form Justin Hinds & The Dominoes. Their big break came in 1963 with the release of “Carry Go Bring Come,” recorded in a single take at Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle Studios. The track became a massive hit in Jamaica, topping the charts for two months and establishing Hinds as a leading figure in the ska movement.
Rise to Prominence
Between 1964 and 1966, Hinds recorded over 70 singles, making him one of the most prolific artists of the era. His notable tracks include “King Samuel,” “Jump Out of the Frying Pan,” “The Ark,” and “Rub Up Push Up.” These songs showcased his unique blend of ska rhythms with spiritual and socially conscious lyrics, resonating with a wide audience.
Transition to Rocksteady and Reggae
As the musical landscape evolved, Hinds adapted by embracing rocksteady in the mid-1960s. Hits like “The Higher the Monkey Climbs,” “No Good Rudie,” and “On a Saturday Night” marked this transition. By 1972, Hinds parted ways with Duke Reid but continued to influence the reggae scene.
Later Works and Collaborations
In the 1970s, Hinds collaborated with producer Sonia Pottinger, resulting in singles like “Rig-Ma-Roe Game” and “Wipe Your Weeping Eyes.” The 1984 album Travel With Love, recorded at Tuff Gong Studios, marked a significant point in his career. His final studio album, Know Jah Better, was released in 1992. In the early 1990s, Hinds participated in the Wingless Angels project, produced by Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, which blended reggae with Nyabinghi rhythms.
Musical Style and Influences
Hinds’ music was characterized by its fusion of ska, rocksteady, and reggae, often infused with spiritual and Rastafarian themes. He was influenced by a diverse range of artists, including Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, B.B. King, and Louis Jordan. His commitment to original compositions set him apart, as he believed in creating music that reflected his personal experiences and beliefs.
Personal Life
Hinds was married to a woman he affectionately referred to as “Peaches.” Together, they had several children, including Maxwell, a drummer; Carlton, a percussionist; Randy, a bassist; and Jerome Sebastian Hinds, also a drummer. Family played a central role in his life, and his children followed in his musical footsteps.
Death and Legacy
Justin Hinds passed away on March 16, 2005, at the age of 62 due to lung cancer. His death marked the loss of a pivotal figure in Jamaican music. However, his legacy endures through his extensive catalog of recordings and the influence he had on subsequent generations of musicians. Artists like Desmond Dekker, The Selecter, and Keith Richards have cited Hinds as an inspiration, and his songs continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Discography Highlights
- 1964–1966: Released over 70 singles, including “Carry Go Bring Come,” “King Samuel,” and “Jump Out of the Frying Pan.”
- 1976: Jezebel (produced by Jack Ruby).
- 1984: Travel With Love (recorded at Tuff Gong Studios).
- 1992: Know Jah Better.
- 1997: Live at the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance.
- 2010: Wingless Angels II (posthumous release).
Cultural Impact
Justin Hinds & The Dominoes played a crucial role in the development and popularization of ska and reggae music. Their innovative sound and socially conscious lyrics helped shape the musical landscape of Jamaica and influenced artists globally. Hinds’s dedication to original music and his spiritual approach to songwriting have left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Final Thoughts
Justin Hinds & The
