David Jahson

b. Everald Pickersgill, 4 November 1954, Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies. Jahson embarked on his recording career with his debut, ‘For I’, which peaked at number 7 on the JBC chart in Jamaica. His overnight success led to the release of a number of hits, including ‘Ruff Neck Soldier’, ‘Give Thanks And Praise’ and the melancholy ‘People Bawling’. By 1977 he joined the line-up of the Well Pleased And Satisfied band that enjoyed a string of hits during their brief career, including ‘Black On Black’, ‘West Man Rock’, ‘News Carrier Dem A Warrior’, ‘Barberman Bawling’ and ‘Open The Gates’. Following the band’s demise, Jahson reactivated his solo career, working with brothers Ian and Roger Lewis of Inner Circle. The alliance led to Jahson’s pivotal hit, ‘Natty Chase The Barber’, which reiterated his acrimonious attitude towards hairdressers. The song inspired a series of barber-related tunes in the late 70s, including Doctor Alimantado riding the same rhythm for ‘I Killed The Barber’. Jahson simultaneously accompanied the Inner Circle band on their promotional tour for Everything Is Great, where he is credited as percussionist. He remained with the band under the guise of Black Spy until Jacob Miller’s untimely demise in March 1980, which led to the band’s temporary dissolution. He settled in the UK throughout the 80s, initially recording with fellow expatriate Errol Dunkley. Jahson’s sporadic releases include ‘True Believer’, ‘She Loves The Rub A Dub’, ‘Lips Of Wine’, ‘Stop Your Gun Shooting’ and ‘Zion Home’.