The following Pato Banton story charts his rise from the most disadvantaged of circumstances in his youth, through a long and successful career as a world renowned reggae legend, back to his roots with a commitment to work for the benefit of young people in his community, and finally on a mission to spread the “Good News” & “Positive Vibrations” to the “Now Generation”.
In The Beginning
Patrick Murray was born in London in 1961, and moved to Birmingham when he was 8 years old. Pato’s stepfather (Lester Daley) was a DJ fresh from Jamaica and the house in which they lived became the weekend night spot for the local community. Pato was the lookout for these illegal parties, working on the door from the age of 9. In his early teens Pato started to gain his musical foundation on his stepfathers’ sound system called V-Rocket, from helping set up the equipment at first to later selecting the music and trying his skills on the microphone. Patrick would stay up all night entertaining the masses and was given the name Patoo by his stepfather. (The name derives from a wise night owl in Jamaica, that stays up all night, calling “patoo, patoo.”)
By the age of 16, Ranking Pato became well known around Birmingham and would get regular work from various leading sound systems across the city. Within a short space of time, Pato became the number 1 MC in Birmingham, winning the title seven years in a row. At the age of 19 while working for Sufferer Sound System, Pato was invited to join a local roots reggae band called Crucial Music. Within a year Pato became the band leader, mc, singer/songwriter and manager, taking the band on tours of the UK and Europe. Pato’s first recording was a double A sided single with Crucial Music entitled “All Night Raving & Sensimilla.” After five years, Pato’s notoriety as a British MC outgrew the popularity of the band, and he was forced to move on……..
The Early 1980’s
During the early part of his career, Pato participated in a talent show where he was proclaimed the winner by judges Ranking Roger and Dave Wakeling of The English Beat. This culminated in the single, “Pato & Roger A Go talk” , which appears on the Beat’s gold selling album, Special Beat Service. Shortly thereafter Pato performed the hit songs, “Hip-Hop Lyrical Robot” and “King Step” on UB40’s Baggariddim and Little Baggariddim albums, which also featured the chart topping, “I Got You Babe” with guest artiste Chrissie Hines.
Pato’s first audition at Fashion Records impressed the producers so much that they instantly changed his name to Pato Banton. (In DJ circles a “Banton” is a heavyweight lyricist, thus in England, Pato became “The Banton”) His second single, “Allo Tosh Got a Toshiba” (recorded for Don Christie on Jamdon Records) reached number 3 in the independent reggae charts and launched a string of successful projects with Fashion Records, Greensleeves & Island Records. During this time Pato teamed up with top London MC Tippa Irie and under the guidance & management of GT Haynes they traveled around the world and recorded songs like, “Double Trouble”, “Dance Pon De Spot” and “Dem No Know Bout Pressure”.
The Mid 1980’s
Looking for an avenue to express his conscious lyrics, Pato approached Neil Frasier at Ariwa Records and recorded his first album, “Mad Professor Captures Pato Banton” which is still regarded as an all time reggae classic!
Hungry for the feel of performing live, Pato joined up with a band of Birmingham’s top local musicians called the Studio 2 Crew. After a year of rehearsals and shows around the UK and Europe, Pato went on to record his second album “Never Give In!”
It was at this time that Roberto Angotti, (a popular Radio DJ and pioneer of British Reggae, who hosted a show called The Reggae Revolution on LA’s top alternative rock station KROQ) was invited to the UK by UB40 to document the making of their “Geoffrey Morgan” album.
Roberto was directed to check out a local club and spotted the talented Banton “mashing down the house!” After reporting his experience back to the band, UB40 keyboardist Mickey Virtue, gave Roberto a copy of Pato’s hit single “The Boss” and a contact to Pato’s Manager, GT Haynes.
This led to Roberto inviting Pato to the USA to work with local musicians on the live circuit and to record a song with the San Diego based rock band, Private Domain. While at KROQ, Pato wrote and recorded his parts to the track entitled “Absolute Perfection” and the song became an instant radio hit and reached No.1 in the music charts of Peru.
With his popularity growing rapidly, Pato renamed his band “The Reggae Revolution” and began touring extensively. The buzz about Pato Banton’s live shows sparked the interest of IRS Records. A contract was signed and “Never Give In!” was released in America and then globally. Such classic songs as “Don’t Sniff Coke” “Handsworth Riot” “Gwarn” and “Settle Satan” established this recording to what many consider to be a timeless reggae masterpiece.
Pato’s third album, “Visions of the World” was released in 1989 and reflected the experiences and inner growth of a rising star. After tours with Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers, Burning Spear, Third World, Yellowman, Black Uhuru, Dennis Brown and Steel Pulse, Pato secured his place and respect as one of the best live performers in the reggae industry.
His fourth album “Wize Up (No Compromise)” demonstrated Pato’s awareness of social issues and his strengthening spirituality. This recording featured the talents of Peter Spence, Drummie Zeb of Aswad, and guest vocalist David Hinds of Steel Pulse.
Following this album and associated worldwide tours, Pato’s fith album, “Live and Kicking All Over America” , was released in 1992. This album demonstrated the immense loyalty of Pato’s fans and his charisma as a live performer.
Pato’s sixth album was “Universal Love” , an inspiring collection of original soul stirring classics. This CD also featured “Go Pato”, inspired by his then manager, Makeda Dread, (of the World beat Center in San Diego) who took note of the fans’ chanting at his shows. This song became an instant hit, especially in South America where it became the number 1 and most played song in most countries.
Hit After Hit - UK and Worldwide Chart Success
For the 1994 compilation album “Collections” , Pato reunited with Ali and Robin Campbell of UB40 to record a cover of Eddy Grants single “Baby Come Back” . The song became a worldwide hit, achieving top 5 rating in over twenty countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Japan and across Europe. Pato Banton became a household name in the UK, as this single stayed at number 1 for four weeks in the British charts. Pato’s success continued with “Bubbling Hot” , another duet with Ranking Roger (which was also a top twenty hit in the UK.)
In 1996 Pato joined forces with international pop icon Sting, on a reggae remix of “This Cowboy Song.” This track earned a top ten place in the UK and South American charts. While performing together live on the UK’s Top of the Pops, Pato and Sting were joined by rock star/comedian Jimmy Nail in a show-stopping performance, which led to Sting flying Pato and the Reggae Revolution on his private jet to perform with him on a nationally televised media event in Spain, which showcased other mega stars like Madonna and George Michael.
Pato’s ninth album, “Stay Positive” , was a blend of classic reggae sounds with messages of peace, love and spiritual unity. From this album came the hit single “Groovin” (with Steve Morrison of the Reggae Revolution) and another successful collaboration with Sting, to re-make the Police classic “Spirits in a Material World” , which was included on the soundtrack of the Jim Carey movie “Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls” .
After six years of chart success and continuous touring, Pato decided to step away from the music business and continue on his path of Positivity. In the comfort of his own home studio, Pato acquired the help of long time friend and top producer Paul Horton to recorded his tenth album “Life is a Miracle” , which gained a Grammy Nomination and clearly defined the lyrical, musical, and spiritual growth of this outstanding artiste.
Peter Gabriel’s organization, WOMAD, recognized Pato’s talents and invited him to headline a series of shows across the world. While on tour Pato was able to undertake music workshops for disadvantaged children in many cities and was actually allowed inside a maximum security prison in Sicily to lead a live music session with young offenders. This tour took Pato Banton & The Reggae Revolution to Europe, Australia, North & South America, Malaysia, Singapore & South Africa. But during this time Pato began to feel as though he had fulfilled his goals as an artist and felt guided to refocus his energies within his own community. Whilst touring America, Pato was informed that two of his sons had been shot in a drive by shooting. Although they both survived, this news confirmed in Pato’s mind that it was time to follow the call to scale down his career as a performer in order to put something back into his home town of Birmingham, England.
2000 – 2004 Working in the Community
Within months Pato moved his Gwarn International Studios into a local community setting and created a small team of family and friends. Before the doors were even opened, the Principal of a local college invited Pato and all his staff members to set up an exciting new music department where they could offer courses in Sound Engineering, Vocal Tuition, Keyboard and Guitar lessons, DJ Mixing and Music Technology.
Despite leaving school at an early age and with no qualifications, Pato took the opportunity while at Matthew Boulton College to advance his own education. He successfully completd a Level 1 & Level 2 course in Teacher Training and a course in Counseling Skills.
During this same period Pato created a community network called Musical Connections, a program designed to put music equipment and computers into 16 youth centers (including centers for young offenders). He also trained many community tutors how to deliver basic courses in Music Technology to the young people that attended their centers. Next Pato set up a Community Classroom in the college so that young people who were talented or very interested in music, but had no formal qualifications had the opportunity to achieve a college education through music.
With the support of Viv Taylor (the Head of Community Safety in Handsworth), Pato launched another community project called Muzik Links in 2001. The aim of this venture was to attract young people who were at risk, in care, or involved in crime and gang activities. This project gave hundreds of youths the opportunity to be involved in professional recordings, dance troupes and live performances. On many occasions Pato would volunteer his services as counselor, mentor or public speaker and by performing at local community events.
By the end of 2002, Pato set up his own School of Musical Arts And Technology (SMAAT) and with his entire team relocated to the city center. Within weeks they were approached by South Birmingham College, who offered to employ the services of Pato and his co-workers. Pato agreed to a partnership and accepted the role of Assistant Director of Creative Studies. The success at the college combined with his role in community centers, high schools, a kindergarten and many prisons around the UK, led to Pato’s work becoming recognized across the region. In a partnership with the West Midlands Police Force called Project Ventara, it is noted that Pato’s involvement helped to reduce the number of gun related incidents across the city. Accordingly, Pato was nominated and awarded with the BBC’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication and commitment to positive change. In the same year Pato received the Black Music Award for Lifetime Achievement in recognition of his contribution to the British Music Industry and on the day the Birmingham Museum opened its doors to the Reggae Hall of Fame, Pato was formally honored alongside UB40 and Steel Pulse.
2005-2007 A New Era
A period of deep reflection and meditation left Pato feeling guided to continue his musical journey. In early 2005 Yahe Boda (a consecrated spiritual teacher and forerunner) invited Pato to do a short tour across America to “Gather the People in Praise.” This led to Pato phasing out his community commitments and with renewed energy to take on the challenge of recording the inspired double album entitled “The Words of Christ.” (a narrated album of Christ’s teachings taken from the Urantia Book)
Poised to re-launch his career from the USA, Pato decided to reach out again to his close friend Roberto, and a partnership was formed. Although Pato had been away from the live concert circuit for many years, he had a place in the minds and hearts of the masses. Pato’s remarkable reputation as being a first rate showman was evidenced in the grand reception to his comeback and the rave reviews from the media and fans alike. After two short tours with Sol Horizon & DubCat, a twist of fate saw Pato join forces with the very popular, Mystic Roots Band (voted top Reggae Band by the Los Angeles Music Awards). After a successful tour starting in Hawaii and then across the mainland of the USA & Canada, Pato took the band into the studio and recorded the “Positive Vibrations” album.
During 2007 Pato would once again be cited as a major influence by one of America’s finest bands, 311. Pato was invited to join 311’s Summer Unity Tour with Matisyahu, The Wailers and The English Beat. Groups like Pepper and Slightly Stoopid continually call out for Pato’s distinctive style and hope to collaborate with the Original Banton in the near future.
Across the Atlantic, Pato’s peacekeeping efforts were welcomed by the people of Israel, as he performed in Tel Aviv and spoke with religious leaders in Jerusalem. Closer to home, former lead singer for UB40, Ali Campbell recruited Pato to perform at the London’s Royal Albert Hall for a televised performance and DVD release featuring such luminaries as Sly & Robbie. Ali and Pato performed their 1 Top of the Pops Hit “Baby Come Back” to the delight of millions watching worldwide. Pato’s appearances in the Middle East and the UK were captured by many adoring fans who have made them into popular viewings on YouTube.
Down in South America, Pato was summoned by Argentina’s top reggae rock band, Los Pericos. He was asked to perform as their special guest at the Pepsi Music Fest in Buenos Aires alongside Ziggy Marley and Michael Rose. A crowd favorite, Pato’s performance with Los Perico’s was heralded by the media as one of the highlights of the week long festival. Back by popular demand, Los Pericos requested Pato to join them on their extensive tour of Mexico. The chemistry between Pato’s onstage charisma and Los Perico’s seasoned musicianship led to the two collaborating on a song on the band’s new CD ‘Pura Vida’(EMI).
In 2008 Pato is sure to put his mark on the world with the release of ‘Destination Paradise’ ( released by Coral Music Group). What many believe to be his best recordings ever, ‘Destination Paradise’ features 12 original compositions that move the body and inspire the mind. An exciting turning point in this legendary artist’s career, ‘Destination Paradise’ turns a new page in Pato Banton’s musical evolution and showcases his maturity, passion and versatility at his finest hour.
In 2009 Pato will embark on a major tour of all 50 states of America and offer his spoken word performances on the college circuit while spreading the good news and uplifting the masses with a message of peace and love.
Online Now!
