Derrick Morgan

Love Not To Brag (D. Morgan)

Rec. ca. 1960 at Federal Records Studio, Kingston, Jamaica, Prod.: Duke Reid, Engineer: Hoyten

Musicians:

Drumbago All Stars:

Arkland "Drumbago" Parks, drums

Blues, bass

Jah Jerry, guitar

Huks Brown, guitar

Theophilus Beckford, piano

Roland Alphonso, horns
Rico Rodriguez, horns
David Madden, horns
Millicent "Patsy" Todd, harmony vocals

This was Jamaica's first duet, recorded before Keith and Enid's "Worried Over You", but was only used on Duke Reid's sound system and not released until years afterwards. derrick and Patsy later recorded "Houswife's Choice" (named after Marie Garth's radio show) which was a huge favorite in Jamaica and in the U.K. where it has become a perennial favorite on countless compilations over the years.

Derrick remembers writing "Love Not to Brag" influenced by Monty Morris. Monty grew up with derrick on Orange Lane in the same yard which was owned by Buddy Henriquez. Monty's father sold fudge which made him more successful than Derrick's family so Monty might waer better pants and maybe boast a bit.

Both Monty and Derrick got their singing start on Vere John's Opportunity Hour but Derrick came out the winner. He was discovered by the comedy team of Bim and Bam and started to tour the island while Monty was still back at home at Orange Lane. "Oh My" was playing on the radio on Duke Reid's Treasure Isle Time so Derrick was able to say to Monty "See how you used to boast, now me gone ahead."

One day while Derrick was walking on Orange Street a lady, Miss Kitty, called out to him and told Derrick to come and hear her daughter, who she said could sing. So he followed her to her home on Drummond Street, across from penny Lodgings, and next door to Prince Buster. After hearing Patsy sing, Derrick started to write "Love Not to Brag" and brought it to Duke Reid. The Duke went mad when he heard them singing saying "that gone". And that was true. It tore up on his sound system.

Notes by Chris Wilson
in: Booklet to Derrick Morgan: Time Marches On, CD: Heartbeat, 1997

released 1962:

Derrick & Patsy: Love Not To Brag (7"-Side: Blue Beat BB 97)

re-released on:

Derrick Morgan: Time Marches On (1997, CD: Heartbeat /US)

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Derrick Morgan - Home

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Derrick Morgan - Biblio

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Last updated: 2. Dezember 1999
(c) Reinhard Braun