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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZJEFFREYS, Garland(b '44, NYC) Singer with black, Hispanic (and white) ancestry. Grew up in Brooklyn, studied art in Europe before deciding on music as career. Had sung solo in Brooklyn clubs since '64, later with small-time bands: LP Grinder's Switch With Garland Jeffries '69 on Vanguard after linking with band called Ravens from Buffalo and changing their name. Signed as solo for Atlantic, released eponymous debut LP '73, same year recorded 'Wild In The Streets', applauded by critics as US equivalent of Rolling Stones' 'Street Fighting Man', but no commercial success. Briefly signed with Arista who saw him as a disco artist, soon left. LPs on A&M failed to sell in sufficient quantities, all mixing romance with social issues, featuring cream of US session players incl. Dr John (Mac Rebennack): Ghost Writer '77 (with 'Why-O', about bussing in Boston), One-Eyed Jack '78, American Boy And Girl '79 (with 'ethnic' couple on sleeve). Toured in a truck with band, no record deal; also in Europe, where sales were better, audiences less blinkered. Single 'Matador' top ten in many countries. Escape Artist '81 on Epic incl. 'Miami Beach' on racial strife, reggae tracks made with Dennis 'Blackbeard' Bovell in London and featuring Linton Kwesi Johnson and Big Youth. Chose the Rumour, Graham Parker's backing band, as able to carry off rock/R&B/soul/reggae mix live, toured with them and recorded Rock'n'Roll Adult '82. Guts For Love '83 was his sixth LP to chart in USA (but only two in top 100, none higher than Escape Artist at no. 59); he was a neglected writer/performer because he didn't fit into any convenient pigeonholes in American music. |