Don Letts

Don Letts

Don Letts is a London-born DJ, filmmaker and musician associated with reggae, punk and hip hop. He comes to attention in the late 1970s by DJing reggae for punk audiences at The Roxy club in London, helping to shape the musical crossover between those scenes.

Film and documentary work

He makes The Punk Rock Movie, a documentary record of the punk movement, and continues to work in documentary filmmaking across a wide range of music. His films include a noted documentary about Bob Marley.

Musical activity

Letts is a founder member of Basement 5 and Big Audio Dynamite, the latter formed with Mick Jones of The Clash. He also manages the all-women punk group The Slits and collaborates with a number of post-punk acts during the 1980s. In the 1990s he forms Screaming Target and continues DJing at reggae and alternative venues internationally, with a style that draws on eclectic selections.

Releases and writing

He releases several dub and eclectic compilation albums during this period. His autobiography, Culture Clash: Dread Meets Punk Rockers, appears in 2007.

Broadcasting

Letts hosts a show on BBC Radio 6 Music.