Junior Byles

Junior Byles

Junior Byles, also known as King Chubby, is a Jamaican reggae singer and songwriter from Kingston. Born Kenneth Byles Jr. in 1948, he begins his career in the late 1960s and becomes one of the notable voices in roots reggae.

The Versatiles and early recordings

Byles first forms The Versatiles with friends Ben Davis and Dudley Earl. The group records early songs for Joe Gibbs, with Lynn Tait’s band working under Lee Perry’s direction. One of these early recordings is “The Time Has Come”, which enters the 1967 festival. Another festival entry follows in 1971 with “Rub Up”.

His first solo single is “What The World Is Coming To” backed with “Live As One”, released in 1970 and issued in the UK with strings and vocal chorus.

Work with Lee Perry

In 1971, Byles records “Beat Down Babylon” for Lee “Scratch” Perry, co-written with Harold Meikle. It is backed by The Now Generation Band, with Val Douglas on bass, Mikey Chung on guitar and Wire Lindo on organ. The single receives strong critical attention and leads to a full run of sessions with Perry during 1972. These sessions produce 12 tracks, 10 of which form the album Beat Down Babylon.

From the same period comes “A Place Called Africa”, recorded at the same session as Bunny Wailer’s “Dreamland”. Musicians involved in these recordings include the Barrett brothers, Tony Chin on lead guitar, Glen Adams on organ and Reggie Lewis on rhythm guitar.

Signature songs and later reputation

Byles is especially remembered for “Fade Away”, recorded in 1975 for producer Joseph Hoo Kim. The song becomes a major hit in Jamaica and also succeeds in the UK. It is later covered by New Age Steppers and by Salmonella Dub.

Other widely noted songs from his catalogue include “The Long Way”, “Chant Down Babylon”, “Bury O Boy” and “Curley Locks”. His 1970s recordings secure his reputation as one of roots reggae’s leading talents.

Personal hardship and later activity

By 1975, Byles’ health declines and he is affected by the death of Haile Selassie, which he cannot reconcile with his belief in Selassie’s divinity. He attempts suicide and later spends time in Kingstons Bellevue mental hospital. In the mid to late 1970s he experiences homelessness and hunger, and lives for periods on the streets in the United States.

He continues to record during these difficult years, with releases on labels including Thing, Micron, Lovepower, Well Charge, Clocktower, Hot Shot, Impact, Treasure Isle, Observer, Advance, Soul Beat, Upsetter, Justice League, Wizzdom and Orchid. He also records albums in 1989 and 1992, and returns to live performance in Jamaica in 2004. He later performs in the United States and in Hackney.

Style and legacy

Byles is associated with reggae and roots reggae, and his songs often carry spiritual and social themes. His work remains closely identified with the deep roots period of Jamaican music and with the recordings he makes in the 1970s.