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Hometown: Jamaica, NY
Label: VP/ Greensleeves/ 17 North Parade
Management: Back Bay Management 757-463-1940
Website: duanestephensonmusic.com
Genre: Reggae
Duane Stephenson is more than just a reggae singer. His work exhibits the versatility of many of music's greatest artists in the pop realm; mixing poetic lyrics that address social ills, romance and global issues with excellent phrasing, potent hooks and melodic changes – all delivered in an extremely nimble tenor that wakes the soul. His album BLACK GOLD (released in September 2010) held the #1 position for three weeks and has remained in the top ten on the Jamaica Music Countdown chart for months. The album's first single, "Rescue Me" a collaboration with Gramps Morgan has been in the top ten on reggae charts globally reaching the #1 spot and remaining on many charts for weeks. These songs are written with originality and profound intention as Duane explains, "When we do an album, we do music that people can relate to because any situation you find yourself in, chances are someone else has found themselves in that situation." It is real life situations, so the real life emotions come out, that is how it is." Duane wrote “A Step for Mankind”" with The Wailers to benefit the United Nations World Food Programme. The track has become the anthem for global hunger eradication and is featured on Oniric Records' Solutions for Dreamers: Season 3 which directly benefits the WFP, the song is a call to action for everyone to stand up against hunger and truly help mankind take a step in the right direction. His debut recording, FROM AUGUST TOWN released on Cannon/VP Records and produced by reggae maestro and saxophonist Dean Fraser was heralded by Billboard magazine as one of six albums, "collectively galvanizing a roots reggae revival" with "lyrics that convey romantic longings and the anguish of ghetto realities with equal conviction." Pitchfork.com cited the album as "undoubtedly a highlight of not just 2008, but perhaps the past few years."
“Duane Stephenson is a rarity in music. He has the songwriter's innate ability to formulate a storyline, a concept that takes flight, asking questions, studying the outcomes, weighing the reality, inviting the listener to join him on this truth telling story and journey. A man whose career is devoid of hype and controversy, his understanding of the world and his livity come across through his songs in an honest, wholesome way. He often peppers his conversation by leading with "the truth is" which serves to emphasize this honesty”
Reggaeville.com
"BLACK GOLD is a revelation, a presentation of quality in every respect from start to finish, a nice, varied set that plays through as a well-rounded album, unlike so many recent albums where it is just the same thing cut after cut.
In this era of one or two good tracks on an album, Duane Stephenson's "Black Gold" is a fresh breeze, a reminder of what an artist can be in the hands of a true artist."
Randall Grass - Great Spirits Media
"REGGAE artiste Duane Stephenson and noted record producer Handel Tucker have teamed up to produce a new song entitled A Better Tomorrow.
The song, recorded at the Mixing Lab in Kingston last month, is a positive tune which blends the distinctive lyrics and voice of Duane Stephenson with the proven production skills of the internationally renowned Tucker.
Stephenson, who is currently on tour in the US promoting his sophomore album Black Gold, says he wrote the song to uplift those facing hard times. "This song is aimed at all those who are having a hard time. When I was writing it, I wanted to get the message across that life will not always be difficult. There will be brighter days, there will be a better tomorrow."
According to Tucker, "I had no idea what to expect going into the studio with Duane. The collaboration turned out to be an effortless experience! He has an incredible ability to merge melody, lyrics and music to make one powerful statement."
Jamaica Observer
“REGGAE singer/songwriter Duane Stephenson was recently invited by the World Food Programme (WFP) to perform in honour of the United States Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton. The event took place at the George McGovern Leadership Award ceremony in Washington, DC.
Stephenson was at the tail end of his US tour with the Wailers, and the two parties previously teamed up for a song that manifested a partnership with the WFP. "The Wailers and I are partners with the World Food Programme," says Stephenson. "Our song A Step for Mankind has helped to spread the message of the need for more action in addressing the issue of world hunger."
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Jamaica Observer
