'Sir Coxsone' bars pressing of records

Balford Henry, Staff Reporter

CLEMENT 'Sir Coxsone' Dodd's decision to put a stop order on a number of songs being pressed by Dynamic Sounds, all of which utilise his vintage rhythms, has really thrown the industry into panic.

The reason being that we all know that Dodd's rhythms have been the source of most major reggae hits in recent years. However, Dodd's company, Studio One, says that the constant ignoring of his demand that his right as producer of the rhythms be respected, in all cases, led him to the decision.

Dodd sent a stop order to Dynamic Sounds two weeks ago, barring them from pressing a number of those songs, including Freddie McGregor's Key To The City and Glen Washington's Free Up The Vibes.

Ironically, both McGregor and Washington are his proteges. In addition, the chances of Morgan Heritage's hot single, Down By The River toppling Junior Kelly's marathon number one single, If Love So Nice, has been severely affected by the move, as well.

McGregor complained to us last week that he had requested Dodd's compliance with the project and felt assured that he was supportive. He said he was surpised by the recent move.

Dodd was not available for comment, but a spokesman for his company said he had not given any permission for the use of the rhythms in the production and that he would be stepping up his efforts to have the matter of the plagiarising of his music controlled on a permanent basis.