Danny Dread

Trinidad-born guitarist/vocalist Danny Dread (born: Kurt Danny Lewis) has reigned over the Baltimore, Maryland reggae scene since the early-1980s. A founding member of electric reggae band, Uprising, in 1982, Dread continues to rock steady as leader of The Dread Society. Their debut album, Crucial World was released on the independent Orchard label, in December 1999. Although it took a political, but spiritually-oriented, stance, with such tunes as "Songs Of Freedom", "Love Not Hate", "Last Days" and the title track, the mood was balanced by such uplifting tunes as "Do You Feel Like Dancing?" and "New Sound". Dread launched his musical career, in Trinidad, as a steel drum player. Moving to the United States, where his mother had lived since the mid-1960s, he briefly played with a steel drum orchestra. Forming Uprising, with fellow Trinidad-born musicians, Dread initially played bongos in the group. Although he had begun writing songs, he had yet to sing. It took a year of practicing before he felt ready to step into the spotlight. His chance came when lead singer failed to show for a concert in Morgantown, West Virginia. Pressed into action, Dread made a lasting impression with his high-energy performing and vast repertoire of reggae tunes. Leaving Uprising, after thirteen years, Dread formed Dread Society ex-Uprising bassist, and Trinidad native, Tony Allen, and lead guitarist Chuck Patterson, in 2000. ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide