10 Facts About Laurel Aitken

Lorenzo "Laurel" Aitken was a Cuban-Jamaican singer and one of the pioneers of ska music.

Laurel Aitken is often referred to as the "Godfather of Ska".

Laurel Aitken moved to Brixton, London, in 1960 and recorded for the Blue Beat label, releasing fifteen singles before returning to Jamaica in 1963.

Laurel Aitken recorded for Duke Reid, with backing from the Skatalites on tracks such as "Zion" and "Weary Wanderer", before returning to the UK, where he began working with Pama Records.

Laurel Aitken recorded hits such as "Fire in Mi Wire" and "Landlord and Tenants", which led to a wider recognition outside of Jamaica and the UK.

Laurel Aitken gained a loyal following not only among the West Indian community, but among mods, skinheads and other ska fans.

Laurel Aitken had hit records in the United Kingdom and other countries in the 1950s through to the 1970s on labels such as Blue Beat, Pama, Trojan, Rio, Dr Bird, Nu-Beat, Ska-Beat, Hot Lead and Dice.

Laurel Aitken's output slowed in the 1970s and during this period he worked as an entertainer in nightclubs and restaurants in the area including the popular 'Costa Brava Restaurant' in Leicester under his real name Lorenzo.

Laurel Aitken performed occasional concerts until his death from a heart attack in 2005.

Punk band Rancid covered Laurel Aitken's "Everybody Suffering" on their 2014 LP Honor Is All We Know.