The Best of Reggae Music: UB40
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Looking for the best reggae music around? Look no further than UB40! This band has been churning out hits since the 1980s, and they show no signs of slowing down. If you want to enjoy some of the best reggae music out there, make sure to check out UB40!
UB40’s Beginnings
UB40 was formed in 1978 in Birmingham, England, by a group of friends who were unemployed at the time. The band’s name comes from the Unemployment Benefit Form 40 (UB40) that members of the band were signing at the time. The band members were all from working-class backgrounds, and they were influenced by the ska, rocksteady, and reggae music that they heard on the radio.
The band’s formation
In 1979, Ali Campbell, astrologer Patricia Hewitt and keyboardist Michael Virtue formed a band in Birmingham, England, called UB40. Initially a Christmas-themed eight-piece band called ‘UB40 Christmas Band’, the group had little success and broke up in early 1980. However, Ali Campbell and Brian Travers decided to keep the band together, and they were joined by drummerJimmy Brown, percussionist Astro and singers Robin Campbell (Ali’s brother) and Duncan Campbell (no relation).
The band’s early success
In 1980, UB40 was asked to provide the backing vocals for Chrissie Hynde’s song “I Think I’m in Love Again”, which was released as a single by The Pretenders. UB40’s contribution was so successful that they were asked to record the song again with Hynde as a duet, which reached number 7 on the UK singles chart.
This led to a cameo appearance by UB40 in the film Quadrophenia, appearing as “The Truth”, a mod rock band. They performed “I Think I’m in Love Again” and “Food for Thought”. In May 1980, UB40 recorded their first single, “King/Food for Thought” which reached No. 1 on the UK singles chart; both sides of the single were hits in several countries.
The Band’s Music
UB40 is a British reggae band formed in 1978 in Birmingham, England. The band’s name refers to the Unemployment Benefit Form 40 (UB40) which members of the band were signing at the time. Despite their name, the band has never received state benefits nor have they been unemployed. The band has had forty UK chart hits, including four Number One singles, and has also achieved considerable international success. They have been nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album four times, and in 1984 they were nominated for the Grammy Award for Best New Artist. They have released over fifty albums, including eighteen studio albums, thirteen live albums, and numerous compilations.
The band’s musical style
UB40’s musical style is a blend of reggae, pop, and rock. Their debut album, Signing Off, was heavily influenced by the British reggae scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The album was a critical and commercial success, reaching number 2 on the UK Albums Chart and number 1 on the US Billboard Reggae Albums chart.
The band has released eighteen studio albums, seven live albums, and numerous compilations. Their most popular hits include “Red, Red Wine” (1983), “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (1993), “I Got You Babe” (1985) (a duet with Chrissie Hynde), and “Here I Am (Come and Take Me)” (1991).
The band has sold over 70 million records worldwide. They have been nominated for five Grammy Awards and have won two Brit Awards.
The band’s biggest hits
The band’s biggest hits include “Red, Red Wine”, “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, “I Got You Babe” and “Kingston Town”. The band has sold over 70 million records worldwide and has had a string of hit singles in the UK, US, Canada and Australia.
The Band Today
UB40 is a British reggae band formed in 1978 in Birmingham, England. The band has had more than 50 singles in the UK Singles Chart, and has also achieved considerable international success. They have been nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album four times, and in 1984 they won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Performance for their album Labour of Love. The band has performed at Live Aid in 1985 and the Glastonbury Festival in 1994. Today, the band is still touring and making new music.
The band’s current members
UB40 is a British reggae band, formed in December 1978 in Birmingham, England. The band has had more than 50 singles in the UK Singles Chart, and has also achieved considerable international success. They have been nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album four times, and in 1984 were nominated for the Brit Award for Best British Group.
The band’s current members are Ali Campbell (vocals, guitar), Astro (vocals, toaster), Robin Campbell (vocals, guitar), Norm651 (bass guitar), Earl Falconer (keyboards, bass guitar, vocals), Brian Travers (saxophone), Jimmy Brown (drums) and Duncan Campbell (trombone).
The band’s current activities
The band today is still touring the world and recording new material. In 2017, they released their latest studio album, For the Many. The album peaked at number one on the UK reggae charts and features the singles “If It Takes All Night” and “Living in Fear.”
