The Gladiators

The Gladiators

The Gladiators are a Jamaican reggae group formed in Kingston in 1967. Their line-up centres on Albert Griffiths, who plays guitar and sings, and Clinton Fearon, who plays bass and sings; Gallimore Sutherland is also part of the core and performs on rhythm guitar and vocals. The group remains active.

Style and period

The Gladiators work in roots reggae and are most closely associated with the 1970s, when they are at their best known. Their music also sits within reggae and soul.

Key recordings

Two of their best-known albums are Trenchtown Mix Up and Proverbial Reggae, released in 1976 and 1978. Songs associated with the group include “Hearsay”, “Jah Works”, “Dreadlocks the Time is Now”, “Mix Up”, “Music Makers from Jamaica” and “Soul Rebel”, the latter a song written by The Wailers.

Membership

Other members of the band over time include David Webber, who is present from 1967 to 1969, Errol Grandison, who is present from 1967 to 1973, and Clinton Fearon, who is present from 1969 to 1987. Gallimore Sutherland dies in January 2017.