‘Mister Bogle’ by Triple Blaxxx Released this Month

Arguably the most influential dancer to come out of Jamaica and the Caribbean, Gerald “Bogle” Levy captured the imagination of most people who came in touch with him. Eighteen years after his death, his charismatic personality still has that effect.

‘Mister Bogle’ is the name of a song by singer Triple Blaxxx dedicated to his memory. Produced by Carl McGregor from Belize, it was released in early May.

Triple Blaxxx, a Jamaican based in Southern California, recorded the song to the unmistakable melody of Mister Bojangles, a 1968 song made popular by Sammy Davis Jr., who dedicated his version to legendary tap dancer, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson.

Mister Bogle was written by Triple Blaxxx after he heard Davis’ rendition blaring through speakers while hiking in the Hollywood hills.

“While walking up di hill di inspiration, di lyrics start to flow. Wi got serious with it an’ pursue what I was hearing in my head,” he recalled.

His next step was going into the recording studio with McGregor, a highly thought of musician once signed to Prince’s Paisley Park Records. He has also worked with Jill Scott, Faith Evans and DMX.

Bogle was the dancehall edition of Bojangles. His frenetic moves made him a hit at dances throughout Jamaica and its North American Diaspora in the 1990s; he appeared in music videos of top artists such as Beenie Man and Buju Banton.

His signature dances, which included the Bogle, Urkle and Jerry Springer inspired a new generation of dancers such as Ice and Ding Dong. Bogle was murdered in January, 2005 at age in Kingston.

“He was jus’ one of a kind. A really unique dude,” said Triple Blaxxx.