Horace Andy

Horace Andy, born Horace Hinds on February 19, 1951, in Kingston, Jamaica, is a seminal figure in reggae music, renowned for his ethereal falsetto voice and introspective lyrics. Emerging in the early 1970s, Andy gained early recognition with the Studio One label, under the guidance of producer Coxsone Dodd. His breakout single, “Skylarking,” became an anthem of youthful resilience and helped solidify his place in the roots reggae movement. He soon became known for his socially conscious themes and spiritually infused messages that resonated with Jamaica’s disenfranchised youth and international reggae fans alike.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Andy released a string of critically acclaimed albums, including In the Light (1977), which remains a landmark in roots reggae. The album, produced by Prince Jammy, featured classics like “Government Land” and “Do You Love My Music,” showcasing both Andy's lyrical depth and haunting vocal delivery. In the 1980s, he adapted to the rising popularity of dancehall while maintaining the soul of his earlier work, resulting in records like Dance Hall Style (1982) that pushed the boundaries of the genre. Andy’s ability to evolve without losing the essence of his voice has made him a rare constant in a rapidly shifting musical landscape.

In the 1990s, Horace Andy reached a new generation of listeners through his long-running collaboration with British trip-hop group Massive Attack. His vocals became a defining element on tracks like “Angel” and “Spying Glass,” featured on the groundbreaking albums Blue Lines (1991) and Mezzanine (1998). These collaborations introduced Andy’s voice to the world of electronic music and affirmed his enduring relevance. He has also worked with notable dub producers like Mad Professor and Jah Shaka, further expanding his influence across genres. Still actively recording and performing, Horace Andy remains one of reggae’s most beloved voices—a bridge between its golden roots and its global future.

Style

Horace Andy is distinguished by his soulful and haunting falsetto voice, which has become his signature sound. His vocal style blends traditional reggae rhythms with elements of soul and jazz, creating a distinct and memorable sound that resonates with listeners worldwide.

Notable Albums

In the Light (1977) - Produced by legendary reggae producer Prince Jammy, this album is considered one of Andy's finest works, featuring tracks like "Do You Love My Music?" and "Government Land."
Dance Hall Style (1982) - Known for its innovative approach to reggae music, this album showcases Andy's versatility and includes hits such as "Spying Glass" and "Do You Want to Be My Baby?"
Living in the Flood (1999) - Produced by trip-hop pioneers Massive Attack, this album merges reggae with electronic music, creating a modern and atmospheric sound that reflects Andy's ongoing influence on contemporary music.

Collaborations

Horace Andy has collaborated with numerous artists across various genres, expanding his influence beyond traditional reggae circles. Some notable collaborations include:

Massive Attack - Andy's collaboration with Massive Attack began in the early 1990s and continued with multiple projects, including the albums "Blue Lines" and "Mezzanine."
Jah Shaka - A pioneer of the dub music scene, Jah Shaka collaborated with Andy on several tracks that helped define the dub reggae genre.
Mad Professor - Renowned dub producer Mad Professor has worked extensively with Andy, blending his vocals with experimental dub rhythms.