Boris Gardiner: The Reggae and Lovers Rock Bassist-Vocalist
Boris Gardiner is a Jamaican singer, songwriter, and bassist whose career spans the foundational eras of ska, rocksteady, and reggae. His smooth baritone voice and melodic bass playing have made him a respected figure in Jamaican music, achieving international fame with his 1970 instrumental hit Elizabethan Reggae and later with the lovers rock classic I Want to Wake Up With You.
Early career
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Gardiner began his musical journey in the early 1960s as a bassist. He quickly became an in-demand session musician, playing on numerous recordings for producers like Duke Reid at his famed Treasure Isle studio. This period saw him contribute to the rocksteady sound, laying down basslines for other artists before stepping into the spotlight himself.
Breakthrough
Gardiner's breakthrough arrived in 1970 with the release of the instrumental Elizabethan Reggae. The track, a reggae adaptation of a classical piece, became a surprise international hit. It reached number 14 on the UK Singles Chart, introducing his sound to a global audience and establishing his name beyond the Jamaican music scene.
Key tracks
Elizabethan Reggae — This 1970 instrumental was his first major international chart success, peaking at number 14 in the UK.
I Want to Wake Up With You — Originally recorded in 1978, this lovers rock ballad became a massive UK number one hit in 1986, earning a silver certification.
You're Everything to Me — A staple of his live performances, this soulful track remains one of his most beloved vocal performances.
The First Cut Is the Deepest — Gardiner's reggae-infused cover of the Cat Stevens song showcased his talent for reinterpretation.
Following the success of Elizabethan Reggae, Boris Gardiner continued to record as a vocalist and instrumentalist. He formed the Boris Gardiner Happening band and released albums like Island Girl. His career experienced a remarkable second wind in 1986 when his 1978 recording of I Want to Wake Up With You was re-released. The song soared to number one on the UK Singles Chart for three weeks and was certified silver, cementing his legacy in the lovers rock genre. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with a who's who of Jamaican music, including Tommy McCook, Toots and the Maytals, and Ken Boothe.
Fans of Boris Gardiner's smooth reggae and lovers rock style also enjoy the works of John Holt for his romantic vocal delivery. Ken Boothe shares a similar soulful approach to reggae music. The instrumental prowess of Tommy McCook aligns with Gardiner's own session work legacy. Listeners might also appreciate the classic sounds of Toots and the Maytals for their foundational role in the genre.
The music of Boris Gardiner maintains a steady presence on classic reggae FM stations and dedicated online reggae radio streams. His timeless hits are fixtures on playlists that celebrate the golden era of Jamaican music, from rocksteady to lovers rock, ensuring his sound reaches both longtime fans and new listeners.
You can hear the classic hits and deep cuts from Boris Gardiner's extensive catalog on the curated reggae and classic hits radio stations featured on our website. Explore the stations available on onairium.com to discover or revisit the smooth basslines and vocal harmonies of this Jamaican music stalwart.
