Deluxe Reissue
Aggrobeat Records recently released an expanded reissue of Rudy Mills’ 1969 album, Reggae Hits. This 180-gram vinyl release, retitled John Jones And Other Reggae Hits features 12 tracks, including the 1969 single Goody Goody b/w Lemi-Lemi Li as bonus tracks. The package is enhanced with an 8-page booklet containing extensive liner notes and photographs, providing valuable insights into Rudy Mills’ career. This reissue showcases the enduring appeal of Mills’ classic recordings produced by Derrick Harriott, spanning the spectrum of rocksteady and early reggae.
Rudy Mills
Born in Kingston in 1946 as Rudolph Methaian Mills, he embarked on his musical journey in 1963. After an initial period of exploration with various groups, he achieved a breakthrough upon collaborating with producer Derrick Harriott. Their partnership yielded the iconic A Long Story, featuring the renowned Lynn Tait & The Jets. This success paved the way for further hits, including John Jones. These notable recordings, along with others, were compiled on the 1969 album Reggae Hits, released in Jamaica on Derrick Harriott’s Move & Groove label and in the UK on Pama’s subsidiary, Economy Records.
Caprivating Covers
The album features not only Rudy Mills’ original compositions but also captivating covers of classic songs. Notably, it includes a dynamic rendition of Time Is On My Side, originally popularized by The Rolling Stones. Rudy Mills delivers an expressive interpretation of Little Anthony and the Imperials’ doo-wop hit Tears On My Pillow, elevating the tempo while maintaining the song’s emotional core. The interplay of his lead vocals with the backing singers is exceptional, further enhanced by a tasteful horn arrangement from renowned trumpeter Bobby Ellis. The album also includes soulful renditions of Otis Redding’s Wholesale Love and Gladys Knight & Pips’ With Every Beat Of My Heart, showcasing Rudy Mills’ versatility as an artist.
Hits
A Long Story, a poignant composition by Rudy Mills, recounts the heartbreak of a betrayed lover. This 1967 recording, backed by The Lynn Tait & The Jets, has endured as a timeless classic, frequently featured on various compilation albums. John Jones, released in 1968, takes a different turn. This powerful track, driven by The Crystalites’ dynamic backing, sees Rudy Mills denouncing a wrongdoer. Its biting lyrics and dynamic riddim resonated deeply with audiences, particularly gaining popularity among the Skinhead subculture in the UK. Heavy Load, an upbeat number co-written by Rudy Mills and session musician Boris Gardiner, possesses a catchy organ riff. Released in 1969 on the UK’s Crab label (a subsidiary of Pama), this track was notably absent from the Jamaican market.
Musicians
These tracks were recorded between 1967 and 1969 at various Kingston studios, featuring a stellar lineup of session musicians from renowned bands such as Desmond Miles Seven, Lynn Tait & The Jets, and The Crystalites. Junior Murvin, Keith & Tex, and Derrick Harriott contributed backing vocals to these recordings.
Following his musical endeavors in Jamaica, Rudy Mills emigrated to Canada in 1969 to pursue a new life outside of the music industry. However, in 2019, he reconnected with the music world through a collaboration with Keith Rowe of Keith & Tex. This re-entry into the music scene has seen him enjoy renewed success as a veteran artist.