Johnny Clarke was born in Kingston in January 1955. His first recording was with Clancy Eccles, releasing "God Made the Sea and Sun" on an independent label. He worked with Rupie Edwards in 1973, recording a string of notable singles such as "Don’t Go", "Julie" and "Everyday Wondering" on the Success label. Clarke later teamed with Bunny ’Striker’ Lee for "None Shall Escape the Judgment", originally an Earl Johnson song.\r\r\nClarke released many tracks with Lee — "Justice", "Explosion", "Attack", "Gorgon" and "Jackpot" — and continued to build a commanding reputation with songs like "Enter into his Gates with Praise", "Move out of Babylon", "Jah Jah We Are Waiting" and "Roots Natty Congo". His work included recordings connected to Abyssinians, Burning Spear, Mighty Diamonds, John Holt and Bob Marley.\r\r\nHis first album "None Shall Escape the Judgment" came via Total Sound, followed by "Moving Out" (1975). He released albums on labels including Virgin Front Line and Vulcan, and later worked in the UK with producers such as Fashion, Mad Professor and Jah Shaka, issuing albums on Ariwa like "Yard Style" and "Give Thanks". His catalogue remains an essential part of the roots/reggae tradition.