Leroy Sibbles

Both a fine bassist and accomplished vocalist, Leroy Sibbles first rose to prominence singing lead for the Heptones. The group started out on the Caltone label before achieving widespread recognition after switching to Studio One in 1966. Equally skilled in rocksteady and reggae, the trio benefited from Sibbles’ soulful lead vocals and strong original material, which were further enhanced by the distinctive, hypnotic bass patterns he supplied—lines that soon appeared on countless cover versions and derivative tracks. What had been a lucrative creative partnership eventually turned acrimonious, prompting the Heptones to depart Studio One on strained terms in 1971. Sibbles then launched a thriving solo career yet continued to harbor resentment toward Coxsone Dodd and the label. He stayed with the Heptones for another couple of years, during which their 1973 album Party Time became a widely admired reggae release.