The Blues Busters was a vocal duo from Jamaica formed in 1960, consisting of Philip James (9 March 1941 – 1989) and Lloyd Osbourne Campbell (31 December 1941 – 1992).[1][2] The Blues Busters was the most consistently popular Jamaican male duo of the early 1960s,[3] and among the Jamaican artists who performed at the 1964 New York World's Fair.[4] They initially worked in cabaret shows to tourists in Kingston and Jamaica's north coast, but got their big break when they were asked to accompany Sam Cooke on his tour of the island in March, 1961.[2][5] Taking inspiration from Cooke, on returning to the cabaret circuit they emulated the soulful harmonies of his performances and recorded a number of soul and reggae cover versions, having minor hits with "Thinking" and "Privilege".[2] They continued until the mid-1980s, by which time they had released several albums, one of which was a tribute to Cooke.[2]
In the late 1960s the pair moved to New York City. There James reportedly died from asthma at age 47 in 1989, and Campbell from a heart attack at age 50 in 1992.[6] The duo are buried with one grave between them in the Pye River Cemetery in Montego Bay, Jamaica, the city of their births.[7][8]
In 2015 Campbell and James were posthumously honoured with keys to the City Of Montego Bay by the St. James Parish Council.[9]
Discography
Albums
Behold How Sweet It Is (1964), Sunshine
The Best of the Blues Busters (1965), Sunshine
Each One Teach One (1970/1971), Dynamic
Philip and Lloyd (1975), Scepter
Truth (1979), Sarge
Tribute to Sam Cooke (1980), Sarge
Top of the Pops (1982), Echo
How Sweet It Is (1997), Kingston Gold
Compilations
The Best of the Blues Busters, Dynamic
In Memory of the Blues Busters: Their Best Ska and Soul Hits 1964-1966 (1993), Jamaican Gold
