Johnny Reggae

"Johnny Reggae" is a 1971 novelty song[1] credited to The Piglets. The single cover states that it was "conceived, created, produced and directed by Jonathan King".[2] It was released on Bell Records.

"Johnny Reggae"
Single by The Piglets
Released1971
Recorded1971
GenreReggae
LabelBell Records
Songwriter(s)Jonathan King
Producer(s)Jonathan King
The Piglets singles chronology
"Johnny Reggae"
(1971)		 "This is Reggae"
(1972)
Music video
"Johnny Reggae" on YouTube

King himself has explained in comments on his YouTube channel[3] and in his autobiography 65 My Life So Far that the vocalists were session singers "coached to sound like teenage scrubbers", and that the lead vocalist was session singer Barbara Kay, who also recorded as Kay Barry for Embassy Records.

The lead vocals have been at various times been incorrectly attributed to Adrienne Posta or Wendy Richard.

A follow-up single "This is Reggae" was released in 1972.[4]

Track list
  • Side A: "Johnny Reggae"
  • Side B: Backing track (of the song)

Chart positions
Chart (1971) Peak
position
UK Singles Chart 3

Covers and adaptations

In 1972, The Roosevelt Singers adapted the song adding new lyrics and music although relying mainly on the theme and music of the original. Titled "Heavy Reggae (Johnny Reggae)" it was Side A of a release on Sioux Records, with Side B being "Smoking Wild" by The Hong Gang.[5]

References
  1. Russ Litten in the Sabotage Times: Here Comes Daddy Reggae
  2. Discogs.com: Images for The Piglets - "Johnny Reggae"
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWwrPGDq45E
  4. https://www.discogs.com/The-Piglets-This-Is-Reggae/release/2474068
  5. The Roosevelt Singers / The Hong Gang – Heavy Reggae (Johnny Reggae) / Smoking Wild
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