Dig Deeper presents: Eric "Monty" Morris & Crazy Baldhead

Eric "Monty" Morris is recognized in Jamaica, alongside Laurel Aitken and Derrick Morgan as a primal ska performer. In 1961 he recorded a medley of nursery rhymes as "Humpty Dumpty" providing the vocals to Arkland Drumbago Parks All Star Band's shuffling beat. The song proved a phenomenal success and is regarded as pivotal in the progress of Jamaican music, introducing the emphasis on the half beat in comparison to earlier local recordings which simply mirrored American R&B.

Morris recorded an abundance of hits throughout the first half of the 60s, most notably "What A Man Doeth", "Sammy Dead", "Money Can't Buy Life", "Into My Garden", "Enna Bella" and "Oil In The Lamp" (A Little More Oil In My Lamp). At the beginning of the Jamaican music industry many singers received a single fee for their performance in the studio. This motivated singers to record for anyone who would pay. Morris was no exception, and he recorded several tracks including "Seek And You Will Find", "Home Sweet Home" and "River Come Down" for Vincent Edwards. The singer also found success with Leslie Kong who released the favoured "Solomon A Gundy" alongside "Strongman Sampson" (Sampson Was The Strongest Man), while sessions with Neremiah Reid resulted in "Words Of Wisdom", "Supper In The Gutter" and "Words Of My Mouth"

Raring and ready to go is the best way to describe Eric "Monty" Morris's current state of mind. In 2008 at The Dub Club in Los Angeles, backed by the The Allentons, Morris dazzled the audience with his infectious ska grooves and strong stage presence. He returned to Los Angeles again in 2009 for another performance with The Allentons at the Sugacane Lounge.

21+ with ID.