Busy Doing Nothing: Johnny Clarke, the Reggae Idler

THE COMPETITIVE MUSICAL CLIMATE was so intense in mid-'70s Kingston, that Jamaica's capital city was given the soubriquet "Third World Nashville". Hundreds of aspiring musicians and audacious singers – mostly teenagers – fought to impress the all-dominant, reigning producers. They had the power to change these youths' lives from ones of quiet desperation under the sun to one of fame and, perhaps, fortune. These youngsters had to seize the moment. And that moment could arrive at any time. Johnny Clarke was one such fearless singer & songwriter. Back then, he was determined to win the confidence of these producers.