The Melodians
Vocal trio comprising Brent Dowe, Tony Brevett and Trevor McNaughton. Robert Cogle was also a member of the group throughout their career. He made a major contribution as songwriter on many of the trio's biggest hits, but apparently not as a vocalist. They started singing in Kingston's amateur talent contests from 1960, but did not record until April 1966, when they made four titles for Coxsone Dodd, only two of which were released. During 1967-68 the Melodians recorded a series of big local hits for the Treasure Isle label owned by producer Duke Reid that endure to this day as classics of the rocksteady school. The trio's cool, precise harmonies are showcased to near-perfection on You Don't Need Me, I Will Get Along, I Caught You, all released in 1967, and Come On Little Girl in 1968. Later in 1968, the group made two more massive local hits for Sonia Pottinger; Little Nut Tree, freely adapted from the nursery rhyme, and the celebratory Swing And Dine. The following year, while still continuing to record occasional titles for Pottinger's Tip-Top label (No Nola), they began an association with the producer Leslie Kong which was to bring them international success, firstly with SWEET SENSATION and then with the Rasta-influenced, anthemic RIVERS OF BABYLON, the latter reputedly selling 75,000 copies in the UK alone. 
They continued recording for Kong until his death in 1971, not only as a trio but as solo vocalists. Following this they recorded for Lee Perry, Harry J, Dynamics and Sonia Pottinger and Duke Reid again in 1972. Two years later the group split up. Brent Dowe recorded for Lee Perry in 1975 (Down Here In Babylon), and produced himself at Channel One the same year on the sublime Deh Pon The Wicked. Tony Brevett enjoyed success again with Don't Get Weary, a self-production. In 1976, they re-formed, recording many of their old hits for producer Harry J, with backing by the Soul Syndicate band, but failed to maintain momentum. In the mid-'80s the trio attempted a reunion, with little success; nonetheless, much of the music they made in the '60s remains emblematic of the best in rocksteady and reggae, and their recent stage shows at revival concerts have proved to be hugely popular.