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| Sanchez (singer) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Sanchez |
| Background | solo_singer |
| Birth name | Kevin Anthony Jackson |
| Alias | Sanchez |
| Birth date | 1964-05-28 |
| Birth place | Kingston, Jamaica |
| Genre | Reggae, Lovers Rock, Dancehall |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Producer |
| Years active | 1980s–present |
| Labels | VP Records, Shanachie, Jet Star, Tad's, Penthouse |
| Associated acts | Sly and Robbie, Dennis Brown, Beres Hammond, Augustus Pablo, Bunny Wailer, Rico Rodriguez, Sister Nancy |
Sanchez (singer) is a Jamaican reggae vocalist known for his smooth lovers rock delivery and crossover appeal in the 1980s and 1990s. Emerging from Kingston, Jamaica, he built a career working with prominent producers and session musicians, achieving chart presence and extensive touring in the United Kingdom, United States, and across the Caribbean. His repertoire spans original recordings, cover versions, and collaborations with leading figures in reggae and related genres.
Kevin Anthony Jackson was born in Kingston, Jamaica and raised in a musical context influenced by local sound systems and studio culture. As a youth he was exposed to artists such as Dennis Brown, Bunny Wailer, John Holt, Bob Marley, Gregory Isaacs and the rhythms coming from studios like Studio One, Tuff Gong, and Channel One Studio. He began singing in local talent contests and sound system events alongside contemporaries who later worked with producers like Coxsone Dodd, Lee "Scratch" Perry, King Jammy, and Philip "Fatis" Burrell.
Sanchez's early recordings were produced by figures in the Jamaican industry, leading to releases on labels associated with Penthouse Records, Tad's, and VP Records. He recorded with session musicians such as Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare and horn players like Rico Rodriguez, participating in the studio scene that also supported artists such as Peter Tosh and Lucky Dube. His breakthrough included covers and originals that received airplay on stations including BBC Radio 1, RJR (Jamaica), and on US reggae programs. He released albums during the 1990s on labels that distributed through networks involving Shanachie Records and toured venues known for hosting reggae acts, appearing at festivals alongside artists like Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Bear Jeggins and Toots Hibbert.
His vocal approach blends the emotive phrasing of lovers rock practitioners like John Holt and Dennis Brown with the rhythmic sensibilities of dancehall artists such as Shabba Ranks and Beenie Man. Instrumentally his tracks often feature arrangements influenced by producers from Rockers and Roots reggae traditions, incorporating contributions from musicians linked to The Upsetters, The Wailers Band, and producers such as Augustus Pablo and Channel One rhythm section. He has cited inspiration from vocalists including Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Smokey Robinson, and contemporary interpreters on labels like Studio One and Greensleeves Records.
Sanchez's recorded output includes studio albums, compilations, and singles released on Caribbean and international labels. Key albums span releases in the 1990s and 2000s on imprints connected to VP Records, Shanachie Records, and Jet Star. Singles and album tracks placed him on charts tracked by outlets such as Billboard, UK Singles Chart, and Caribbean music charts monitored by Reggae Report and The Gleaner. His catalog contains cover versions of songs associated with artists like Prince, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, and adaptations of material by Israel Vibration and Third World.
Sanchez has collaborated with a range of musicians and producers including Sly and Robbie, Augustus Pablo, Beres Hammond, Dennis Brown, Buju Banton, and session players tied to The Skatalites and Toots and the Maytals. He performed at major venues and festivals, sharing stages with acts such as Steel Pulse, Ziggy Marley, Chronixx, Protoje, Shaggy, Sean Paul, and international soul and R&B artists who toured with reggae lineups. His appearances included shows promoted in cities like London, New York City, Toronto, Miami, Los Angeles, and festival dates that featured lineups including Notting Hill Carnival, Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, Reggae Sumfest, Caribana, and other Caribbean and diaspora events.
Throughout his career Sanchez received recognition from Caribbean music institutions and diaspora organizations, earning mentions in regional award events and acknowledgments from entities that celebrate reggae and lovers rock. Media outlets such as The Gleaner, Jamaica Observer, BBC, Billboard, and reggae-focused publications highlighted his charting singles and touring achievements. His work has been cataloged by labels like VP Records and archived in collections that document the development of lovers rock and dancehall vocalists from Jamaica during the late 20th century.
Sanchez maintained ties to Kingston while spending substantial time touring in the United Kingdom and United States. He has engaged with community events in Jamaica and diaspora communities in South Florida, New York City, and Toronto. His personal network includes collaborations and friendships with musicians, producers, and industry figures from studios and labels such as Studio One, Tuff Gong, Penthouse Records, and Shanachie Records.
Category:Jamaican reggae singers Category:People from Kingston, Jamaica Category:Living people Category:1964 births