Don Campbell is a Jamaican-rooted reggae and lovers rock singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, based in the United States and born in 1946. He begins performing at a young age and develops a career that combines singing with rhythm guitar, bass, drums and piano, including track production and arrangement.

Career

Campbell works with a wide range of artists across reggae and popular music, including Paul Young, Dennis Brown, ABC, John Holt and Maxi Priest. He also supports live performances by SWV, Massive Attack, Lisa Stansfield and Wet Wet Wet. His musical profile is associated with the UK reggae scene as well as international touring.

Early releases and chart success

In 1993, Campbell collaborates with Trevor T of Juggling Records on the reggae hit “See It in Your Eyes”, which spends 12 weeks at number one on reggae charts. His follow-up single, “Lovers Do”, enters the Echoes Chart at number 9.

Albums and collaborations

His first album, Don Campbell, The Album, appears in 1994. In 1996, he teams up with General Saint on a cover of Neil Sedaka’s “Oh Carol”, which reaches number one in South East Asia and becomes an international success. After extensive touring in Europe, South East Asia, Africa, America, Australia and Canada, he releases Reggae Max in 1999, followed by three further albums between 2002 and 2004.

Awards and recognition

Campbell receives four awards at the British Reggae Industry Awards in 1994: Best New Comer, Best Male Vocalist, Best Singer and Best Songwriter. In 1995, he wins Best Reggae Soloist and Best Reggae Single at the Black Music Awards. He is also described in the press as a major UK reggae vocalist.

Later work

In 2005, Campbell and General Saint establish Blu Jeanz Records and Camm Street Publishing, with two rising stars signed to the company. He continues to tour in Europe and England and remains associated with reggae performance and recording.