Stranger Cole

Stranger Cole

Stranger Cole, also known as StrangeJah Cole, is a Jamaican singer associated with ska, rocksteady and reggae. He is born Wilburn Theodore Cole and comes from Portland, Jamaica. His recording career begins in the early days of ska in 1962 and continues through to his death in 2026.

Early career

Cole begins recording with producer Duke Reid. His debut hit is “Rough & Tough”, a 1962 ska recording that features a prominent harmonica solo. He receives the nickname “Stranger” because he resembles no one else in his family.

Another early hit is “Run Joe”, a Louis Jordan revival song that becomes successful in 1965 and includes harmony vocals from members of The Techniques.

Duets and vocal style

Cole often records with duet partners, especially Millicent “Patsy” Todd and Ken Boothe. Later in his career he also records with Gladstone Anderson; their version of “Just Like a River” is one of his best-known songs. His studio work is linked to an apparent shyness, but his singing develops into a soulful style, and his songs are noted for their strong sense of personality.

Bangarang and later work

Cole is credited with creating the first reggae song with “Bangarang”. The song is recorded in 1968 at Duke Reid’s Studio, with sound engineer Bunny “Striker” Lee. On the recording, Cole performs with saxophonist Lester Sterling and keyboard player Lloyd Charmers.

In 1971, Cole moves to the United Kingdom and tours extensively. He later moves to Canada in 1973 and settles in Toronto. His first album, Forward in the Land of Sunshine, is released in 1976, and he issues several more albums over the following years, mainly on his own label.