Heather Henry, Gleaner Writer

Ernest Ranglin performs at 'Jazz On The Green', held at Milwood Avenue, Cherry Gardens, St. Andrew, in February 2005. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

WESTERN BUREAU:

The musical genius of legendary Jamaican guitarist Ernest Ranglin was immortalised in film through the documentary Roots Reggae: The Ernest Ranglin Story which premiered at the Flashpoint Film Festival in Caves, Negril, last Saturday.

A recipient of the Order of Distinction, one of the highest national honours of Jamaica, Ernest Ranglin commands respect internationally for his fundamental role in the development of Jamaican music.

Accolades

Listed among his accolades are the creation of ska music and the arrangement of one of Island Records' biggest hits in the 1960's, My boy Lollipop, sung by Millie Small.

Produced and written by Arthur Gorson, Roots Reggae: The Ernest Ranglin Story traces Ranglin's entrance and rise to prominence on the Jamaican and later the international music scenes.

"I heard the music and I had to find the man," said Gorson, adding that the premiere was also the first time that Ranglin was seeing the film.

A 25-minute documentary, the film contains interviews with Ranglin and other artistes and individuals who either worked with him or were inspired by his work.

"He understands the effect it (music) can have in healing people," said reggae icon Jimmy Cliff, one of the artiste interviewed in the documentary.

Passionate

Passionate about his music, Ranglin thanked the producers of the film for their efforts.

"It's a very good start. I have my life story to write at least people have things to look forward to," he said. "I'm glad to know that I was apart of something that was of good value to our country."

Following the screening, Ranglin delighted the audience with a wonderful of rendition of The Harder They Come as tribute to the late Perry Henzell who was also one of the persons featured in the documentary. As 'brawta', Ranglin performed Bob Marley's It Hurts To Be Alone a piece which he helped to compose - both pieces were met with resounding applause.

Among the persons featured in the film are: Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, Monty Alexander, Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare and Damian and Stephen Marley.