DJ Derek

It's no big thing to consider DJ Derek an oddity in the U.K. reggae scene -- quite honestly, the former accountant turned DJ would be an oddity no matter what genre he was spinning for the masses. A percussionist turned accountant born Derek Morris in 1942, DJ Derek was fed up with the rather un-dynamic pop music scene in the U.K. in the 1950s, and turned to the more frenetic R&B scenes in America, as well as the burgeoning reggae scene in Jamaica. Eventually leaving behind his day job at Cadbury's, his love for the music led him to a DJ residence at Bristol's Star & Garter pub, where his sets would become the stuff of legend. His reputation grew and grew, influencing a number of prominent artists, including <a href="spotify:artist:6FXMGgJwohJLUSr5nVlf9X">Massive Attack</a>. Derek would go on to feature prominently at festival shows, including Big Chill and Shambala, and played well-received sets in London, Newport, and Birmingham. In 2006, DJ Derek released a mix CD through legendary reggae label Trojan, entitled DJ Derek Presents Sweet Memory Sounds. ~ Chris True, Rovi