Rocksteady: Phyllis Dillon

If Alton Ellis was the King of rocksteady, Phyllis Dillon was definitely the Queen.

Today we’re listening to Phyllis Dillon, Jamaica’s queen of soul. Her story is an interesting one. Discovered by Lynn Taitt at a talent show, she went on to record some of the most popular songs in the genre, including my personal favourite “Don’t Stay Away”, a song that has also been called “the finest female performance in Jamaican music.” She was also one of the only women to participate in the very male-dominated genre.

Dillon moved the United States in 1967, and would travel back to Jamaica a few times a year and record a track or two. She eventually left the music industry for almost thirty years to pursue a career in banking and spend more time with her family. Dillon died in 2004, and in spite of helping to popularize the genre and recording many hits and duets with the greats of the time, didn’t make a penny off her music. A crying shame, and one that the Jamaican government recognized. They granted her the Order of Distinction five years after her death.

Dillon only produced one full length album, 1972’s “One Life to Live”, which is an eclectic mix of reggae and rocksteady. Start here to get a flavor for her voice and her talent, but don’t stop there. Her true genius and contribution to rocksteady is best found in her singles, so turn to the compilation “Love is All I Had: A Tribute to the Queen of Jamaican Soul”, which gathers most of her biggest contributions. Enjoy.