Gussie Clarke: The Producer Behind Roots and Digital Classics
There are so many artists and songs that pass through our ears, but rarely do we know who’s behind the music. The sounds we gravitate to, that we identify with, and that is part of what I try to do here on Bass Culture - pull back the curtain and find out who helped shape an album or entire generation - Gussie Clarke is one of those “wizards of oz” - a man who helped shape hit after hit, that still spin on turntables and sound systems today. His career has spanned decades, but for this mix, I’ve focused on his earlier productions from the 70s and early 80s, before the digital age of reggae took over.
Brief Overview of Gussie and his life
Augustus “Gussie” Clarke is one of reggae’s true architects, someone who moved effortlessly from roots and early deejay culture into the digital era without ever losing clarity, musicality, or purpose. His story begins in a tiny dub-cutting room at 81½ Church Street, where he cut exclusive specials using a Treasure Isle lathe and quickly realized he could shape entire records if he controlled the rhythm, the vocal, and the final mix. Early productions like U-Roy & Errol Dunkley – The Higher The Mountain and album-defining moments such as Big Youth – Screaming Target and Gussie Presenting I-Roy showed how he could turn raw sound system energy into cohesive, groundbreaking albums.
Through the 1970s, he built a warm, balanced catalogue with artists like Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown, Leroy Smart, Hortense Ellis and Roman Stewart, deep lovers cuts, roots anthems and rhythm tracks that felt soulful and timeless. Clarke wasn’t just making music; he was building infrastructure through publishing, label management and distribution, which gave him complete creative control and the freedom to reinvest in better equipment and bigger ideas. By the early 80s, he was pushing roots harmony groups like The Mighty Diamonds into modern territory, updating arrangements with drum machines and synth bass while keeping the music's heart intact.
PLAYLIST
U-Roy; Big Youth – The Higher The Mountain
Leroy Smart; Gussie Clarke – Mixed Up
Gussie Clarke – Funny Feeling
Augustus Pablo – Classical Illusion (12” Version)
Jacob Miller – Girl Don’t Come
I-Roy; Gussie Clarke – Coxone Affair (2025 Remaster)
Gussie Clarke – One Way
Tommy McCook – The Right Track
Delroy Wilson – How Can I Love Someone
Big Youth – Screaming Target
Dennis Brown – Funny Feeling
Trinity – Love The Daughter
Roman Stewart – Try Me
Mikey Dread – Proud to Be Black
Mighty Diamonds – Pass the Kouchie
Gregory Isaacs – My Time
France