Biography
Born as Winston Lara in May 1943, the Kingston, Jamaica native passed away in June 1994. Music-industry involvement began for Rondo during the late 1950s, when he and partner Satch achieved recognition on the Vere Johns Opportunity Hour. By 1960 the pair had cut “Love My Little Queenie” and “Squeeze Me”; two years later Rondo relocated to the UK, where his career continued. Classical-vocal training took place at a Hammersmith school, after which he performed operatic repertoire at Covent Garden. Parallel studio work yielded the regional R&B successes “Because You’re Mine,” “It’s Got To Be Mellow” and “Grey Life.” In 1970 he assembled the Undivided, whose UK engagements preceded a pop-reggae album for Decca Records that suffered from inadequate promotion and consequently left an uncertain impression. Solo Trojan sides followed, among them “Sentimental Reasons” and “A Lovers Question.” Magnet Records paired him with Mike Dorane for “Valley Of Tears” and “Impossible Dream,” while additional productions came via Clement Bushay (“You Said You Love Me”), Dennis Harris (“Ms Grace”) and Count Shelly (“I’m In A Different World”). His prolific studio and stage schedule earned an invitation to back Susan Cadogan on “Hurts So Good” during a Top Of The Pops appearance. Mid-decade conversion to Rastafari led to Bunny Lee collaborations that included “A Land Far Away” as well as the more conventional “Why You Do That” and “Everything Going Up Love.” Although often considered an inconsistent recording artist, 1983 brought a hit with “Prisoner In Love,” yet individual output remains overshadowed by his pivotal role in the BRAFA project. The British Reggae Artists Famine Appeal coalition of 1985 produced the charity single “Let’s Make Africa Green Again,” featuring Rondo alongside Dennis Brown, Ken Parker, B.B. Seaton, Trevor Walters, Danny Ray, Winston Reedy, Janet Kay, Aswad and the Chosen Few. Backing was supplied by Undivided Roots, an ensemble said to have evolved from Rondo’s original early-1970s band. Following his death a 1994 memorial concert in his honour showcased Alton Ellis, Prince Lincoln, Justin Hinds, Dennis Alcapone, Owen Gray and Carroll Thompson.
Singles