Keith Poppin Says He is Saddened to See Channel One Studio Demolished

One of the countless artists who recorded at Channel One during the 1970s, Keith Poppin felt a personal loss when that studio’s famed complex was demolished in Kingston, Jamaica on September 5.

Poppin recorded Envious, his second album, at Channel One in 1975. Produced by Phil Pratt, that set was reissued in August by Aggrobeat Records, an independent company from The Netherlands. 

The North Carolina-based Poppin said he was saddened to see the end of arguably the greatest recording studio in reggae history.

“It’s really unfortunate, ‘cause artists an’ musicians will tell you that Channel One was where di vibes was. Everybody wanted to record at Channel One,” the singer recalled. 

Envious was recorded entirely at Channel One. Poppin was backed by a stellar cast of musicians including bass guitarists Aston “Familyman” Barrett and Robbie Shakespeare; drummers Carlton Barrett and Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace; guitarists Earl “Chinna” Smith and Rad Bryan.

The title song remains one of his biggest hits, along with Same Thing For Breakfast which was released two years earlier.

Poppin, who is still active musically, is pleased the album has been given new life.

“People still love ‘Envious’ (the song) but some people never hear the entire album. So, this is good for them to hear where the music is coming from,” he stated.

During the period Poppin cut Envious, Channel One was the hottest music venue in Jamaica. Owned by the Hoo Kim brothers — Joseph, Kenneth, Paul and ERnest — the label produced numerous hit songs including It’s A Shame by Delroy Wilson, Ballistic Affair by Leroy Smart, I Need A Roof by The Mighty Diamonds Woman Is Like A Shadow by The Meditations.

Those artists were backed by The Revolutionaries, an all-star house band led by a rising drummer named Sly Dunbar.

Keith Poppin has lived in the United States for over 30 years. He continues to record songs, with Africa Calling and Rocking among his recent releases.