As April is upon us, it's time to celebrate the remarkable legacy of Beverley Kelso, a true icon in the world of Jamaican reggae music. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, in April 1948, Kelso's journey as a singer and founding member of The Wailers has left an historic mark on the music industry.
Kelso's early years were shaped by her passion for music and her innate talent as a vocalist. After attending Miss Nembhard Preparatory School and Denham Town Primary School in Kingston, she embarked on a musical journey that would change the course of her life forever.
In 1962, Kelso joined forces with Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Junior Braithwaite, and Cherry Smith to form The Wailers, a legendary reggae group that would revolutionize the music scene. As a backing vocalist for the band, Kelso lent her distinctive voice to some of their most iconic tracks, including "Simmer Down," "Lonesome Feeling," and "Hurts To Be Alone."
During her tenure with The Wailers from 1963 to 1965, Kelso contributed her talents to a total of 25 tracks, leaving an imprint on the group's early sound and success. Despite her pivotal role in shaping The Wailers' musical identity, Kelso made the difficult decision to part ways with the band in 1965 to pursue other interests.
In the years that followed, Kelso continued to stay connected to her musical roots, even as she embarked on a new chapter of her life in the United States. In 1979, she emigrated to the US, where she continued to share her passion for music with audiences far and wide.
Today, Kelso holds a unique place in music history as the sole surviving founding member of The Wailers, following the passing of her fellow bandmates over the years. Despite the challenges she has faced, Kelso remains a resilient and influential figure in the world of reggae music.
In recent years, Kelso's contributions to The Wailers have garnered renewed attention, thanks in part to the efforts of iconic artist manager Copeland Forbes. Forbes has been vocal about ensuring that Kelso receives the recognition she deserves for her critical role in shaping the group's sound and legacy. It was stated that Kelso said, “Bob Marley children is still alive. They don’t remember me, but without me they wouldn’t be here without me not one of them would be here. And I meet somebody that stand with me over the years. He never failed me yet. And this why I’m standing here right now along with my brothers and sisters. I may not know all of you but I love my Jamaican and my friends and my family that stand with me. And I’m so happy to be here thank you. Thank everyone that is here with me tonight. God bless you all,” Kelso had said at the function which was staged by philanthropist and blogger, Claude “Big Stone” Sinclair.
As we celebrate Beverley Kelso's birth month, let us not only honor her remarkable achievements but also acknowledge the enduring impact of her music on generations of listeners around the world. From the streets of Kingston to the stages of Brooklyn, Kelso's voice continues to resonate, reminding us of the power of music to unite, inspire, and uplift us all.