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Guns of Navarone

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The Skatalites, Roland Alphonso

About Guns of Navarone

"Guns Of Navarone" is a song and single by Jamaican group, The Skatalites. The music was written by Dimitri Tiomkin for the 1961 film of the same name, the soundtrack of which was released on 1 January 1961. Lyrics were added by Paul Francis Webster. AllMusic describes the song as a masterpiece of the ska genre with its feeling of optimism with a "jubilant harmonic horn chorus". The vocalist is Roland Alphonso, with Lee "Scratch" Perry who provided various shouts on the track. The rhythm section of drummer Lloyd Knibb and bassist, Lloyd Brevett provided sharp rim shots and a "thumping bass". Originally released in Jamaica on Coxsone Dodd's Muzik City label in 1965 under Alphonso's name, it was re-released the same year in the UK on Island using a slightly shorter edit. However, it did not appear in the UK charts until 1967, making number 36 in the spring of that year and staying on the charts for six weeks. It was The Skatalites' only hit in the UK. The song was again a hit when included on the UK Chart-topping The Special A. K. A. Live! EP by The Specials in 1980. The Specials version was a mostly instrumental version featuring scat-like toasting by Neville Staple and trombone by veteran ska musician Rico Rodriguez. 


Year:
2017
2:32
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In the winter of nineteen sixty and four came this movie to jamaica
The skatalites took the music from the movie and put it into ska
And came up with this song, it's called:

Bam guns of navarone

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The Skatalites

The Skatalites are a ska band from Jamaica. They played initially between 1963 and 1965, and recorded many of their best known songs in the period, including "Guns of Navarone". They also played on records by Prince Buster and backed many other Jamaican artists who recorded during that period. They reformed in 1983 and have played together ever since. more »

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Ska

Sheet Music      PDF     

Written by: DIMITRI TIOMKINE, PAUL FRANCIS WEBSTER

Lyrics © SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

12 facts about this song

History of Creation
"Guns of Navarone" was first performed and recorded by the Jamaican band "The Skatalites" in the 1960s. The song is regarded as a classic ska instrumental.
Musical Influence
The music of "The Skatalites," including "Guns of Navarone," had a profound impact on the style and tone of ska music, leading to the development of reggae.
Title Origin
The title of the song, "Guns of Navarone," was inspired by the 1961 war film of the same name. The film was about a mission to destroy large artillery guns.
Impact on British Ska
The British band "The Specials" later covered "Guns of Navarone." This helped to introduce ska music and its distinct, upbeat rhythm to a wider audience in the UK.
Release Date
The Specials' cover of "Guns of Navarone" was released in 1980 as part of their "More Specials" album. This version is more popular and well known outside of Jamaica.
Popularity
The Specials' version of "Guns of Navarone" made it to Number 6 in the UK Singles Chart in 1980.
Progeny
Many other bands and artists have also covered "Guns of Navarone," cementing its status as a timeless classic of ska music.
Symbolism
The song's title and upbeat rhythm often serve as a symbol of resistance and resilience amidst turbulent times, a common theme in ska and reggae music.
Live Performance
The Specials' performed their cover of "Guns of Navarone" live for the first time at the Moonlight Club in West Hampstead, London in May 1979.
Funk Influence
The original by The Skatalites and the cover by The Specials both feature prominent horn sections, characteristic of the fusion of ska with jazz, and funk influence that typified ska music during this era.
Band Brilliance
Tommy McCook, the saxophonist of The Skatalites, is often highlighted for his extraordinary arrangement that made "Guns of Navarone" stand out.
Legacy
"Guns of Navarone," is noted for its continual cultural relevance as ska music has proven to be a resilient genre, evolving and adapting to the different musical trends over decades. This song showcases the spirit of this transformation.

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