UB40

(Accomplishments and Beyond)

By Ogbeta

UB40

 

It's extremely rare to find a band that has put out hit after hit that really moves all listeners. UB40 somehow accomplished that throughout its diverse existence.

We certainly consider this British reggae band one of music's most phenomenal bands. UB40 formed in 1978 and consists of a line-up of 8 very talented musicians who master a variety of instruments, instruments such as psychedelic rock guitars, analogue synthesizers, and the saxophone.

UB40 holds a history as unique as its music. The men behind this immense band are drummer Jimmy Brown, guitar/lead vocalist Ali Campbell, vocalist Robin Campbell, bass guitar/vocalist Earl Falconer, percussion/trombone/vocals Norman Hassan saxophone Brian Travers, keyboards Mickey Virtue and toasting vocals/percussion/trumpet Terence Wilson.

The band members were friends from college in Birmingham, UK and promoted their band by performing in pubs. UB40 caught its first break when Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders noticed this jewel of a band playing in a bar. She knew UB40 would thrive if only promoted reasonably, so she presented UB40 with an opportunity as a support presentation in several of The Pretenders acts. Since The Pretenders were already one of the UK's most influential bands during the time, it didn't take long before the entire UK was introduced to UB40.

After dominating the radio waves of the UK their music stretched into the United States where it spread like wild fire. Everyone appreciated their hit "Red Red Wine" which made it on the Billboard top 200.

Another one of UB40's music successes was its 1993 smashing single "(I Can't Help) Falling In Love With You". That was not only a number one hit across the world, but was used in "Silver", a 1993 Sharon Stone movie.

The ethnic assortment of UB40 was likely the reason they created music so unique and unlike any other.

 

UB40

UB40

UB40