Spanish Harlem Riddim pulls together a long line of versions on the same 1968 foundation, with Lee Scratch Perry among the credited producers and labels including Studio One, Ariwa, VP and 71 Records tied to the wider history of the cut. The selection moves from roots and rocksteady into later dancehall and lovers rock touches, with Val Bennett’s Spanish Harlem at the center of the original riddim and later versions such as Slim Smith’s Spanish Harlem, Jackie Edwards’ Spanish Harlem, Delroy Wilson’s Rose In Spanish Harlem, and Dennis Alcapone’s Jamaica Way helping define the set. It’s a good example of how one song can travel across eras and production camps, and the lineup also brings in voices like Cocoa Tea, Freddie McGregor, Sanchez and Morgan Heritage, giving the release a broad archive feel rather than a single-period snapshot.
Spanish Harlem produced by Lee Scratch Perry, Bunny Striker Lee, Blackbeard, Coxsone Dodd, Delroy Wilson, Delia Wilson, Mad Professor, Hyman Wright, Percy Chin, Danny Browne, Bulby York, Lloyd Campbell, Derrick Morgan for Camel, Magnet, Stars, Studio One, Corner Stone, 1 Love, Ariwa, Jah Life, Fat Eyes, VP, Joe Frasier, 71 Records in 1968
Spanish Harlem Riddim Release Details
- Riddim year: 1968
- Key artists on this riddim: Cocoa Tea, Freddie Mcgregor, Glen Washington, Lee Scratch Perry, Morgan Heritage, Sanchez
- Browse this riddim in year & database lists: 1960s-80s Riddims Archive
Spanish Harlem Riddim Tracklist:
1. Cocoa Tea – There’s A Herb Tree In My Garden (1985)
2. Delroy Wilson – Rose In Spanish Harlem (1988)
3. Dennis Alcapone – Jamaica Way (1974)
4. Freddie McGregor – I Can See It In You (2000)
5. Glen Washington – More Time (2000)
6. Jackie Edwards – Spanish Harlem (1977)
7. Lorna Gee – Stop Chat (1989)
8. Michael Levy & Tennant – Round So Love (1990)
9. Morgan Heritage – Down By The River (2000)
10. Sanchez – Pretty Girl (1998)
11. Slim Smith – Spanish Harlem (1971)
12. Spragga Benz & Ben E. King – Spanish Harlem (1994)
13. Sugar Minott – Change Your Ways (1977)
14. The Aggrovators – Harlem In Dub (1977)
15. Val Bennett – Spanish Harlem (1968)
