We got thanks to sponsors and attendees along with a welcoming message from RSMA Founder and heart and soul, Winsome “Lady C” Charlton who first presented the award show in 1994.  This year’s event marked the 13^th outing with one missed year due to the hurricanes that wrecked havoc with South Florida last year.  From the start, this has been a BIG entertainment event in the world of Reggae and Soca Music, pulling together great combinations of long time stars and top newcomers for an annual night of awards and often one-of-a-kind performances.  There are not many major stars of the genre that have not been involved in one or more shows over the years.  This year was to continue that tradition with one of the strongest shows yet but let’s get back to the El Palacio’s sports bar where I got to spend some time talking with Joseph Hill.

Joseph Hill, now in his late 50’s, started a band called Culture, along with Albert Walker and Ken Dayes, back in 1976.  Shortly after they began working together, they found themselves with producer Joe Gibbs and engineer Errol Thompson – two roots Reggae legends.  At Gibbs’ studio, they recorded their debut called “Two Sevens Clash”.  Filled with Hill’s socially conscious lyrics and rich harmonies, this album remains one of the all time classics of Reggae Music – if it is not in your collection, get it – it is a wonderful and powerful set of songs.  The three founding members of Culture traveled the Reggae Road together until 1982 when they went their own ways. Joseph Hill took Culture forward on his own, with world touring and numerous successful releases.  In 1982, the original line-up got back together and recorded two highly acclaimed albums, “Culture in Culture” and “Culture at Work”.  Ken Dayes again left the band in 1992 and was replaced by the lead singer from their backing band, Dub Mystic.  They went on to record two excellent studio albums and one of the best live Reggae albums you can find, “Cultural Livity”.  2006 finds Joseph Hill carrying the Culture torch by himself again and doing just fine. 

Hill is tall and lean, looking sharp in a casual outfit very suited to the occasion.  As we sit and talk, other guests and artists stop by to greet this Living Legend.  That’s why he was here, to accept a Living Legend Award at this year’s RSMA.  As we talk, I learn that like so many artists, he and the band have often not gotten much but the glory for their efforts.  The big paychecks have often gone no further than the record producers and music companies running the show.  I asked Joseph about the recent court case where Aston “Familyman” Barrett of the Wailers had sued to get a cut of his band’s royalties from Rita and the Marley Estate.  Barrett apparently signed an agreement some years back that gave him a chunk of money to give up his claim to future royalties but whether he fully understood what the agreement was, who knows.  The Court ruled against him though and Joseph figured it was just another example of artists being taken advantage of.  He also believed that Bob Marley, who in his life was always very generous to all around him, would be very displeased with the treatment of his former bandmates.  Hill is not a complainer though by any means and thanks Jah that he is still around, healthy and performing.  He does like “raising a little Hell” once in awhile though.  Referencing performers like Curtis Mayfield as inspirations, he is very proud to be considered one of the genre’s most important artists along with the likes of Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Toots Hibbert and the Burning Spear, Winston Rodney (who got last year’s Reggae Living Legend Award).