The Early Days of Lawrence Lindo
Before his name became synonymous with towering speaker boxes and thunderous roots rhythms, he was Lawrence Lindo—born on March 14, 1943, in Retreat Content, St. Mary Parish, and raised in Greenwich Town, Kingston.
But it was in Ocho Rios, far from the reggae strongholds of Kingston, where he made his mark. Jack Ruby did what few dared: he built a world-class production hub and sound system in Jamaica’s lush north coast, crafting his own local scene and drawing in talent from across the island.
An interesting short watch that features Jack talking about music.
Jack Ruby Hi-Fi – A Sound System for the Ages
Ruby’s journey into sound system culture began in the late 1960s when he launched Jack Ruby Hi-Fi at 1 & 3 James Avenue, Ocho Rios—a location so steeped in music it became known as “1 Music Avenue.”
With an ear for sonic detail and a commitment to high-fidelity audio, Ruby’s sound system gained a fierce reputation. He didn’t just play records—he educated crowds with message music and elevated performances.
His sound system hosted or launched the careers of artists like:
Brigadier Jerry
Nicodemus
Welton Irie
Yellowman
The legendary 1978 film Rockers captured Ruby’s studio in a now-iconic scene: Kiddus I performs “Graduation in Zion” live, showcasing the raw intensity and spiritual power of Ruby’s setup.
The Producer Behind Burning Spear’s Global Breakthrough
While his sound system was legendary, Ruby’s production work made history.
In the mid-1970s, he teamed up with Burning Spear (Winston Rodney) to produce what many consider the holy trinity of roots reggae albums:
Marcus Garvey (1975 – Jamaican mix released by Fox Records)
Garvey’s Ghost (1976 – dub version, mixed by Sylvan Morris with Ruby’s guidance)
Man in the Hills (1976)
Ruby’s sound was unmistakable—rootsy, deep, with tight horn arrangements, heavy bass, and live instrumentation. He helped globalize messages of Pan-African pride, repatriation, and Rastafarian consciousness.
It's important to note:
Island Records remixed Marcus Garvey for international release, toning down Ruby’s original's harder edge. Purists still seek out the Jamaican mix for its rawness and urgency.
Check this version out - it seems to be the original Jack Ruby mix/production. Def a little rougher and a different mix.
Chris Blackwell Mix below
Other Iconic Productions
Jack Ruby’s catalog extended beyond Spear. His rootsy productions touched many artists, always rooted in spiritual depth and militant groove.
Justin Hinds & The Dominoes – Jezebel, Just in Time
Jack Ruby Presents the Black Foundation (HighNote, 1977)
Featuring Big Youth, Justin Hinds, The Heptones, and moreThe Black Foundation in Dub
Mixed by Errol Thompson (often misattributed to King Tubby online)
Ruby’s studio crew operated like a roots jazz ensemble—tight, expressive, and soulful—led by a producer who demanded authenticity over gloss.
On Screen: Ruby in Reggae Cinema
Jack Ruby was one of the few producers featured in both of the most crucial reggae films of the 1970s:
Roots Rock Reggae (1977, BBC)
A rare documentary that captured him in action—commanding, passionate, and deeply philosophical about music's social power.
Rockers (1978)
The Kiddus I scene was filmed at Ruby’s studio, capturing one of the few live in-studio performances in reggae cinema history.
These appearances helped introduce Jack Ruby to the world—not as a background figure but as a central reggae growth force.
A Legacy That Echoes Through Generations
Jack Ruby passed away on April 7, 1989, but his impact continues to ripple.
Jack Ruby Jr. continues the family’s legacy as a DJ and sound system operator.
Myth Check: While some online sources claim pop-reggae star Sean Kingston is Ruby’s grandson, there is no confirmed evidence of this link. Kingston’s real name is Kisean Anderson, and the connection is likely a case of mistaken lineage.
Final Word
Jack Ruby was more than a producer.
He was a visionary, cultural architect, and protector of roots music in an era when reggae was becoming increasingly commercialized. He made Ocho Rios a production capital, fought for message-driven music, and helped deliver some of the most essential albums in reggae history.
He stands tall among reggae’s greats—not just for his sound system or studio work but for his unwavering belief that reggae could heal, educate, and empower.
PLAYLIST
Justin Hinds & The Dominoes – Carry Go Bring Come
Ken Boothe, Black Disciples, King Tubby – Peace Time / Khomeni Skank (Iranian Students)
Jack Ruby, King Tubby, Errol Thompson – Running Dub
Jack Ruby, Black Disciples – Free Rhodesia
Joe Higgs – More Slavery
Vinnie Taylor And The Revealers – Hard Times
Jack Ruby, King Tubby, Errol Thompson – Time Hard
Prince and The Seraphim – Decent Citizen
The Revealers – Hard Times
Burning Spear – The Sun
KIDDUS I – Graduation in Zion - Movie Take
Jack Ruby, King Tubby, Errol Thompson – Track 20 Dub
The Eagles – Rasta Harvest
Lenox Miller, Black Disciples, King Tubby – Better Must Come / Jah Coller Speaks His Mind
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