Perhaps ‘superstar’ is an overused, and often misused, term yet the late, lamented Delroy Wilson was, beyond any shadow of a doubt, a true superstar so highly respected and revered during his exemplary career that he was invariably known by his first name alone. This modest, humble man was a giant of the genre he helped to create and undoubtedly one of the truly great voices of Jamaican music.”– Noel Hawks

The Cool Operator ((VP4242) gathers together 28 crucial tracks from Delroy Wilson, Jamaica’s first child star, who set the stage and served as a prototype for a generation of Reggae artists including Dennis Brown, whom the singer later credited as the primary influence shaping his singing style. Wilson (a peer of Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer at Studio One) was one of a handful of recording artists who had major hits in the Ska, Rocksteady, and Reggae eras. Certainly, Wilson has recorded some of Jamaica’s most iconic tracks, such as “Cool Operator,” “Better Must Come,” and “Dancing Mood,” all of which are included in this anthology. 

This new collection includes the very best of his hit run of 45s for Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee, alongside a handful of crucial cuts produced by Channel One and Federal Records. The hits include the iconic title track, plus “Better Must Come,’’ “I’m Still Waiting,” and “It’s A Shame,” all among the defining releases of the ‘golden age of Reggae music.’ Wilson, immortalized by The Clash in “White Man In Hammersmith Palais,” had an incredible career recording for legendary Jamaican producer ‘Striker’ Lee, and the cream of the crop are included on here on this essential package.

The High-quality double vinyl LP (VP4242) includes a colour inner sleeve and extensive notes and is also available on CD and digital streaming platforms on May 3rd, 2024