Born on 13 January 1946 in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies, Boris Gardiner established himself as a bass player, vocalist and musical director who never ranked among reggae’s most prominent figures yet maintained a steady presence across decades and secured three significant UK chart successes. His proficiency on bass surfaced during the late 1960s through engagements with Byron Lee’s Dragonaires, the Aggrovators, the Crystalites and numerous additional ensembles. The initial commercial breakthrough arrived with the Lee-produced “Elizabethan Reggae,” which climbed to number 14 on the UK charts in January 1970; Gardiner subsequently performed across Britain in support of the single, initially attributed in error to its producer. That same year saw the release of his debut album, also overseen by Lee. In the aftermath he concentrated on session duties, frequently contributing as a member of the Now Generation, before joining Lee Perry’s Upsetters once Carlton and Aston “Familyman” Barrett departed for the Wailers. Although his firm, precise basslines rarely took center stage, they consistently delivered impact. During the 1980s, as reggae edged toward the digital period that threatened to sideline traditional bassists, Gardiner’s warm, soulful vocals gained prominence on the MOR reggae ballad “I Want To Wake Up With You,” which reached number 1 in the UK. Despite recurring health setbacks throughout the decade, he at last gained overdue recognition. The follow-up single “You’re Everything To Me” peaked at number 11, while the seasonal release “The Meaning Of Christmas” also registered on the charts.
