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Willi Williams is best known as writer and original singer of “Armagideon Time,” a beloved and popular reggae anthem covered by The Clash and other artists. Through his years at Studio One, he formed a close association with Jamaican keyboard legend Jackie Mittoo. Mittoo, who contributed significantly to Williams’ outstanding album Messenger Man (1978).
Williams voiced the breakthrough “Armagideon Time” in 1979, which has remained a reggae standard and was included on the comprehensive four-disc set, Tougher Than Tough: The Story of Jamaican Music . “Armagideon Time” also found its way back into popular culture in recent years via the 1999 Jim Jarmusch film Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai and via the legendary video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
“Armagideon Time” utilized the backing track known as “Real Rock,” and Williams helped propel it to become the most recycled in all of reggae history. Punk legends The Clash helped internationalize “Armagideon Time” in 1979.
Far from being a one-hit wonder, Williams’ reggae career has been substantial and prolific with frequent tours around the world. His work with singer/producer Yabby You has marked his reputation, as well as his later efforts with producer, instrumentalist, and dub icon Augustus Pablo. The rock band Government Mule adapted and recorded Williams’ composition “Natty With A Cause” as “Rebel With A Cause,” which features Williams’ voice along with that of singer Warren Haynes in a reggae-rock style.
Williams voiced the breakthrough “Armagideon Time” in 1979, which has remained a reggae standard and was included on the comprehensive four-disc set, Tougher Than Tough: The Story of Jamaican Music . “Armagideon Time” also found its way back into popular culture in recent years via the 1999 Jim Jarmusch film Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai and via the legendary video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
“Armagideon Time” utilized the backing track known as “Real Rock,” and Williams helped propel it to become the most recycled in all of reggae history. Punk legends The Clash helped internationalize “Armagideon Time” in 1979.
Far from being a one-hit wonder, Williams’ reggae career has been substantial and prolific with frequent tours around the world. His work with singer/producer Yabby You has marked his reputation, as well as his later efforts with producer, instrumentalist, and dub icon Augustus Pablo. The rock band Government Mule adapted and recorded Williams’ composition “Natty With A Cause” as “Rebel With A Cause,” which features Williams’ voice along with that of singer Warren Haynes in a reggae-rock style.
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