Burning Spear is the moniker of roots reggae singer/songwriter and musician Winston Rodney. Born in Saint Ann, Jamaica Rodeny was heavily influenced by the political philosophy of Marcus Garvey as well as the music of reggae legend Bob Marley, both of whom grew up in the same Jamaican bay area. Burning Spear was originally the name of Rodney's reggae group, and the band released its debut album Studio One Presents Burning Spear, in 1973. Together the group released four more albums before Rodney decided pursued a solo career. He kept the name Burning Spear as his alias and released his first solo effort, Dry and Heavy in 1977 followed by a sold out show at the Rainbow Theatre in London, where he had already developed a solid fan base. His 23rd record, titled Calling Rastafari, earned him the Grammy Award in 2000 for Best Reggae Album, an award he also took home in 2009 for his album Jah Is Real. With a discography of over two dozen records, Burning Spear has become one of reggae music's most renowned artists.
