Ernest Ranglin

Ernest Ranglin, guitarist and composer, was born June 19, 1932 and grew up in the small town of Robin’s Hall in the Parish of Manchester, a rural community In the middle of Jamaica. Music has always claimed a special place In the Island’s culture, and Ranglin’s destiny was set from an early age when two of his uncles showed him the rudiments of playing the guitar. He started his career during the 50’s and has collaborated with musicians such as Bob Marley, Monty Alexander, the Skatalites, Baaba Maal among many others.

In recent years, Ernest Ranglin has gone back to his roots and has made various cross cultural collaborations and concept albums. On “Below the Bassline” he covers some of the greatest songs of the rock and roll era. “Memories of Barber Mack” is Ernest Ranglin’s tribute to the late Jamaican saxophonist Barber Mack. The “Search of the Lost Riddim” album took Ernest Ranglin to Senegal for his first visit since the mid 1970’s when he toured as part of the Jimmy Cliff band. These recording sessions represent the accomplishment of a dream he had cherished for over 20 years: returning to Africa to record with African musicians. “Modern Answers to Old Problems” is an adventuresome mix of jazz sophistication and Afro-pop syncopation, and finally his last album, “Gotcha!”, shows what a perfect instrumentalist Ernest really is.

“I was born in Manchester, Jamaica. I started playing the guitar when I was about ten years old. I have played all over the world where I have met some wonderful people. I have had the opportunity to play with some of the greatest names in music. I will continue to play although I am now 82 years old, and will wish all the very best to the great people who have been doing such a wonderful job for Playing For Change.”