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UB40, a British reggae band formed in Birmingham in 1978, is globally recognised for blending pop, reggae, and dub. The band’s original lineup included drummer Jimmy Brown, whose steady, rhythmically intricate drumming became a cornerstone of the band’s distinctive style. With hits like “Red Red Wine,” “Kingston Town,” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” UB40 sold over 80 million records.
Formation and Early Years
Picture Birmingham, England, in 1978; a city known for its diverse cultural influences. The band’s lineup included brothers Ali and Robin Campbell, Earl Falconer, Astro, Brian Travers, Norman Hassan, Michael Virtue, and Jimmy Brown on drums. They boys all went to school together. The band’s name, UB40, was derived from the UK government’s unemployment benefit form, reflecting the members’ experiences of joblessness and economic hardship during that time.
Jimmy Brown became the rhythmic backbone of UB40. His drumming was integral to the band’s sound, characterised by a fusion of reggae rhythms with a pop sensibility that appealed to a broad audience. From the beginning, Brown’s drumming set the tone for UB40’s music, emphasising the offbeat rhythm that is a hallmark of reggae.
Rise to Fame
UB40’s debut album, Signing Off (1980), was both a critical and commercial success, reaching No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart. It featured hits like “Food for Thought” and “King,” which addressed social and political issues, resonating with the working-class audience.
The band’s breakthrough on the international stage came with the release of their cover of Neil Diamond’s “Red Red Wine” in 1983. The song, with its smooth reggae arrangement, topped the UK Singles Chart and later hit No. 1 in the United States. Jimmy’s steady, hypnotic drumming on the track was a key element in its success. UB40’s ability to reinterpret popular songs with a reggae twist became one of their trademarks, leading to further hits like “I Got You Babe” (with Chrissie Hynde) and “(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love with You.”
Global Success and Lineup Changes
Throughout the 80s and 90s, UB40 maintained their status as one of the most successful reggae bands in the world, selling over 70 million records. Jimmy Brown’s drumming continued to be the anchor of the band’s sound, helping to create a cohesive and instantly recognisable style. Albums like Labour of Love and Promises and Lies solidified their place in music history.
Despite lineup changes over the years, the band’s stability endured for nearly 29 years until frontman Ali Campbell’s departure in 2008, followed by keyboardist Mickey Virtue. Astro, another founding member, left in 2013 but later reunited with Campbell and Virtue in a new iteration of UB40. By 2014, legal disputes over the band name ensued and continue till this day.
Later Years and Legacy
In the later years, UB40 continued to tour and release new music, with Jimmy Brown as a key member. The band’s lineup evolved, but their commitment to their roots and original sound remained strong. Brown’s drumming, characterised by its precision and deep understanding of reggae’s rhythmic intricacies, continued to be a defining element of UB40’s music.
UB40’s impact on the global music scene is undeniable. They introduced reggae to a broader audience, influencing countless artists and bringing attention to the genre’s rich cultural heritage. Jimmy Brown, with his decades-long tenure as the band’s drummer, played a pivotal role in this journey. His contributions helped shape UB40’s sound and sustain their success over the years.
Today, Jimmy Brown is celebrated not only as UB40’s drummer but also as a key figure in the band’s history. His work has left an indelible mark on the music world, ensuring that UB40’s influence will be felt for generations to come. Through ups and downs, Brown’s unwavering dedication to the band and his craft has been a cornerstone of UB40’s enduring legacy. He joins us this week to share his and the band’s story.
From humble beginnings in Birmingham to topping charts on both sides of the Atlantic, their journey is a testament to the transformative power of music and the unwavering spirit of perseverance. To date the band has released 20 official albums.
