Admiral Bailey

Born Glendon Bailey in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies, The Admiral first gained attention in 1986 through his catchy dancehall tracks and signature military-style outfits. DJ Josey Wales introduced him to King Jammy’s studio after discovering him on U-Roy’s King Sturgav Hi-Fi sound system. At the time, the Waterhouse facility buzzed with innovation as Steely And Clevie developed fresh digital rhythms while supporting a strong lineup of performers. Bailey soon established his own presence by launching a string of successful releases, beginning with the duet “One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer” alongside Chaka Demus. Subsequent tracks included “Politician,” “Chatty Chatty Mouth,” and “Ballot Box” featuring Josey Wales, followed in 1987 by “Punany,” which prompted a cleaned-up alternative titled “Healthy Body” after broadcasters imposed a restriction. Additional singles such as “Big Belly Man,” “Jump Up,” “Top Celebrity Man,” and “Cater For Woman” kept the momentum going, leading to the release of his first album, Kill Them With It, that same year. DJ Papa Biggy handled production on “Neighbourhood Living” and “Newsflash Time,” while Bailey also cut material for Donovan Germain and Jah Life. Although Shabba Ranks’ rising popularity somewhat eclipsed Bailey’s own output—“No Way No Better Than Yard,” “Don’t Have Me Up,” “Original Dela Move,” and “Science”—these recordings still maintained his visibility. Ranks’ achievements further inspired the bold statement “Think Me Did Done.” The album Ram Up You Party fell short of expectations, causing a gradual slowdown in Bailey’s career, aside from sporadic sessions that yielded “Help” for Penthouse Records in 1990 and “Ah Nuh Sin” for Bobby Digital in 1991. By 1993 he returned to King Jammy, the producer responsible for his longest period of consistent achievement.