MASTER CLASS PRODUCER, SOUND SYSTEM OPERATOR, PHILANTHROPIST, SPORTSMAN, BUSINESSMAN…
OCHO RIOS, St Ann; March 14, 2025
He would have been 82 today, March 14, 2025.
But though Lawrence ‘Jack Ruby’ Lindo is no longer with us, his many fans, supporters, friends and family are celebrating his phenomenal work as a producer, sound system operator, businessman, sports fan and philanthropist..
(Lawrence ‘Jack Ruby’ Lindo)
Born March 14, 1943, Lindo was taken from the musical landscape in 1989. In the years of his life, this maestro became one of Jamaica’s most formidable music producers and sound system operators, helping to shape the genre.
Thousands celebrated his life and mourned his loss at a massive send off in the sports park, Buckfield, Ocho Rios, St Ann, in 1989..
The location was fitting because, not only were his musical exploits celebrated there, but he was the sitting manager of the Black Stars football club, a dominant force in the St Ann league at the time. Jack Ruby was also celebrated as a humanitarian and a leader.
(An avid footballer and fan of the game, Lindo was the manager of the then top St Ann football club, Black Stars. Here, Reggae icon Bob Marley also a lover of the beautiful game, shows his respect to Jack Ruby, with some members of his team in the background.)
JACK RUBY HEADQUARTERS
“Jack Ruby” headquarters was developed over time at 1 & 3 James Avenue, Ocho Rios, but although his business was headquartered there from the late 1960s, he was not a St Ann native. born in Retreat Content, St Mary, and spent most of his youthful years in Kingston. He was the head of a blended family created by a union with Aloma Burke, who passed just a few months after his death.
(Jack Ruby and wife Aloma Burke)
Jack Ruby was a “light” around whom music, culture and a rare kind of energy existed. He was chairman of the board of the underprivileged and saviour of the souls of many of those who had gone astray. His headquarters was a healing home for singers and DJs who had slipped off the tracks. Many were cured there. At the same time, he continued to build a big catalogue and create a massive sound system “Jack Ruby Hi-Power” which played gigantically against any sound any time, anywhere, even aboard, as proven by his successful tours to England and the United States of America.
RECORD PRODUCER
(Burning Spear) The list of entertainers which his talent embraced is long and almost too much to mention. However, mention must be made of Island Records artiste Winston Rodney, “Burning Spear” and two significant albums, the award winning ‘Marcus Garvey’ around 1975 and the follow up ‘Man in the Hills’ a few years later. Although Burning Spear (Rodney) had good Studio One renditions before, this union finally put the St Ann artiste over the top. This also cemented Jack Ruby as a bonafide top class record producer adding to his established title of top sound system operator.
He went on to record numerous artists, including names like Tyrone Taylor, Justin Hinds, Miky Simpson etc., with whom he had full albums in addition to numerous 45s and dubs by some of Jamaica’s best.
(Foundations)
Culminating in 1987, he brought to the fore the Foundations, a new group in training over a number of years. With another Island Record/Chris Blackwell signing, Foundations was now elevated to international status. While other artists like “Link &Chain” and Donovan were standing by for their own signing.
In association with Mango/Island music, Lindo produced Foundation’s first album ‘Flames’ and again had tongues wagging. This was a reminder, to all, of the awesome studio talents of Jack Ruby Lindo. The charted single from this album, ‘Many men have tried’, impressed greatly, but with Jack Ruby’s failing health and unwillingness to tour, the single fell short of its full potential. He managed to produce a second Foundation album just before his passing.
(In honour of the music producer, sound system creator, philanthropist and businessman, a section of James Avenue, Ocho Rios has been renamed Jack Ruby Avenue).
Lawrence Lindo’s entrepreneurial acumen and his resilience were passed on to a successful family who themselves have become recognised in business, music and philanthropy.
The Jack Ruby Plaza in Ocho Rios marks the spot where his original dancehall, restaurant and dwelling were located and a section of James Avenue is officially referred to as Jack Ruby Avenue.
We remember Jack Ruby with Love and the music fraternity remembers him with Respect. The people remember him with Reverence.
GO TO THE FRANKLY SPEAKING JAMAICA PODCAST YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR A VERY SHORT TASTE OF HIS DELIGHTFUL WORK
You can always reach the North Coast Times by email at [email protected]
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