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Jack Ruby – The Ocho Rios Architect Of Roots Reggae
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Jack Ruby – The Ocho Rios Architect Of Roots Reggae

From Ocho Rios to Global Legacy—The Story of a Visionary Producer and Cultural Pillar
9

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.

Gallery: Rockers: The Making Of Reggae’s Most Iconic Film - The Wire

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 DominoesJezebel, Just in Time

  • Jack Ruby Presents the Black Foundation (HighNote, 1977)
    Featuring Big Youth, Justin Hinds, The Heptones, and more

  • The 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.

Singer KIDDUS I with producer JACK RUBY © Ted Bafaloukos Dub Music ...

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.

Jack Ruby Auditions – LEGENDARY REGGAE

PLAYLIST

  1. Justin Hinds & The Dominoes – Carry Go Bring Come

  2. Ken Boothe, Black Disciples, King Tubby – Peace Time / Khomeni Skank (Iranian Students)

  3. Jack Ruby, King Tubby, Errol Thompson – Running Dub

  4. Jack Ruby, Black Disciples – Free Rhodesia

  5. Joe Higgs – More Slavery

  6. Vinnie Taylor And The Revealers – Hard Times

  7. Jack Ruby, King Tubby, Errol Thompson – Time Hard

  8. Prince and The Seraphim – Decent Citizen

  9. The Revealers – Hard Times

  10. Burning Spear – The Sun

  11. KIDDUS I – Graduation in Zion - Movie Take

  12. Jack Ruby, King Tubby, Errol Thompson – Track 20 Dub

  13. The Eagles – Rasta Harvest

  14. Lenox Miller, Black Disciples, King Tubby – Better Must Come / Jah Coller Speaks His Mind

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