Delroy Wilson, one of the founding pioneers of the Reggae and Rocksteady styles, has sadly largely been forgotten in contemporary music history. The volatile singer got into the business at age 13, and left his mark in the single “Run Run,” one of the best jams of the era. Though originally recorded for longtime collaborative producer Clement Dodd, it was a late sixties re-working of the tune with producer Keith Hudson that perfected it. The song’s lyrics are simple threats, “you better run run…I’m gonna get you,” but they are backed by a world class 4/4 rocksteady beat, congas, and a horn section. Whether the song was a socially conscious threat to seek out injustice, or simply a warning to his enemies (which included another of the genre’s pioneers, Prince Buster) is up to interpretation (the most likely explanation is that Wilson was actually directing it towards the ladies he was going after). Whatever the reason behind it, it’s a classic, and one that shouldn’t be forgotten.

Delroy Wilson “Run Run” (mp3)

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