Joel 'Bunny' Brown

In this week's instalment we caught up with veteran reggae act Bunny Brown, who has been involved in music for almost four decades and counting.

Roxroy McLean, Star Intern

Joel 'Bunny' Brown, one of the big names of the '70s, is seeking to make a comeback by revamping his solo career in Jamaica. In between making music and dealing with the business side of his career, he stopped at THE STAR to share his views on the current state of the music industry.

The veteran reggae singer was recently at The Gleaner's North Street offices in downtown Kingston, reflecting on what he called the 'good old days' of pure music.

"To be honest, modern day music is in a dilapidated state. I don't have a problem with the music, it's the lyrical content that's causing the problems. It's nothing like the good old days of music," he said.

And the lead singer of the famous rocksteady, ska and reggae group, The Chosen Few, believes that it would take a collective effort from several die-hard individuals to help clean up the contents of the music's current state.

Also pointing fingers at the media, the 40-year music veteran said, "One thing or one person can't save it. But, we need to start with the radio stations and then print journalists. They are very powerful."

Bunny Brown will be featured in an upcoming musical titled, Jah Live, which is set to begin filming in Jamaica next month.

Bunny is as driven as ever but is not certain many share his undying love for music. "Back then you could play a cassette of love songs, and as a boy you don't have to say another word trying to get that girl. That's where music was, unfortunately it's not the same," he said.

Brown said he had worked with many big international names and toured extensively with them as back-up vocalist, performing many of their big hits in Europe.

His latest performance came at a tribute to Dennis Brown, at Big Yard studios, on Orange Street. However, in a few months the reggae singer will be embarking on a long European tour, dubbed Reggae for Diabetes, which will feature other acts like Glen Washington, Dennis Alcopone and Earl Morgan and the Heptones.

Brown is one of the founding members of the Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes (JAVA), along with Michael Barnett, Keith Brown and Trinity, and currently serves as entertainment and membership director of the organisation.