Laurel Aitken - Fattie Bum Bum
Fattie Bum Bum / Fattie Bum Dub
Punch PU 121 (1975)
Born of mixed Cuban/Jamaican descent in Havana, Cuba in 1927, Laurel and his family moved to Jamaica in 1938.
He started recording in the late 50s with one of his first 45s being released in 1958. In 1960 he became one of the first artists produced by Chris Blackwell (of Island Records fame) with the 45 "Boogie in My Bones"/"Little Sheila" which became the first Jamaican popular hit released on a 45 in the UK. He also recorded around this time with Duke Reid.
In 1960 he moved to the UK releasing some 45s on the Blue Beat label before returning to Jamaica in 1963, once again taking up with Duke Reid. Around 1965 he again returned to the UK and began a run of 45s on all the major reggae labels, Pama, Island, Trojan, Horse, Rio, Ska-Beat, Blue Beat etc.
He released in-excess of 150 singles in the UK and gained him a large following with the UK West Indian community as well as mods and skinheads. Such was his popularity he was given the nickname The Godfather Of Ska. By the time this 45 was released he was nearing the end of his UK output although he did have a slight comeback with the 2Tone craze that hit the UK in the early 80s.
His version of this song written by Carl Malcolm failed to hit the charts in the UK whereas Carl Malcolm's version reached #8.
At the same time as Malcolm's version was charting another version by the UK band The Diversions enetered the charts, reaching #34. This band featured Lene Lovich who went onto successful solo career.
The song was also covered in 1976 by the Finnish band Musakitt.
Laurel continued to work in the music business performing the occasional concerts until he died in the UK in 2005 aged 78.
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