Both a wonderful vocalist and fine bassist,
Leroy Sibbles initially gained fame as the lead singer for
the Heptones. The trio began at Caltone, then became stars when they moved to Studio One in 1966. They were accomplished at both rocksteady and reggae, and
Sibbles' wondrously soulful leads and excellent compositions were augmented by his smooth, hypnotic bass lines, which were reproduced on numerous
Heptones knockoffs and versions. Unfortunately, a once musically profitable relationship soured, and
the Heptones left Studio One under bitter circumstances in 1971. Afterward,
Sibbles enjoyed a successful solo career, but retained his bitterness toward
Dodd and Studio One. He remained with
the Heptones a couple more years, and their 1973 LP, Party Time, was an international reggae favorite. ~ Ron Wynn