About John Brown's Body
John Brown's Body is an American eight-piece reggae and dub band with origins in Ithaca, New York, and Boston, Massachusetts. With a two-decade-long tenure, they have been recognized for their intricate fusion of vocals, percussion, keyboard, bass, guitar and a three-piece horn section. John Brown's Body, also known as JBB, has been credited with contributing to the development of the "contemporary American reggae scene", as stated by Rudeboy Reggae.
Formed in the mid-1990s in Ithaca, New York, John Brown's Body was among a select few U.S. reggae bands to embark on national tours. Over the years, JBB has played a significant role in shaping the identity of "American reggae." Their music is rooted in traditional reggae vibes but also incorporates elements from various genres. Unlike many American reggae bands, which often focus on conventional reggae themes such as religion and marijuana, JBB adopts an indie band approach, crafting songs that utilize reggae influences to convey their own unique experiences. This distinctive approach has garnered widespread appeal.
The group's 2008 album, Amplify, reached the #1 spot on the Billboard Reggae Chart. This was followed by JBB In Dub in 2012, which also reached #1 on the iTunes Reggae Chart. Additionally, their albums Kings And Queens in 2013 and Fireflies in 2016 both topped both the Billboard and iTunes Reggae Charts at #1.
JBB's distinctive style has become influential within the U.S. reggae scene, with many artists in the genre acknowledging John Brown's Body as a significant influence. Their eleventh studio album, Fireflies, was released on September 9, 2016, via Easy Star Records. It debuted at #1 on both the Billboard and iTunes Reggae charts.
John Brown's Body was established in the mid-1990s. In 1996, the band released their debut studio album, All Time, under their own label, I-Town Records. The album was recognized on Rolling Stone's "Top 10 Indie Records List."
After their debut, JBB secured a record deal with the reggae label Shanachie Records. They subsequently released three albums: their second album, Among Them in 1998, their third album, This Day in 2000, and their fourth album, Spirits All Around Us in 2002.
Following the release of This Day, the Boston Herald hailed JBB as "one of the world's best roots-style reggae bands." Subsequently, the band garnered positive reviews and performed at the Bob Marley Day Festival in Miami, Florida, alongside Lauryn Hill and other artists. However, Mike Keenan departed from JBB after the release of This Day to focus on raising his children, Oscar and Damon . He later returned in 2006, although he did not become an "official" member until that year.
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