Big Ship captain Freddie McGregor charts new course with Warner Chappell Music

Legendary artiste and record producer Freddie McGregor has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music, the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group. The deal covers the full catalogue of the pioneering reggae musician and entrepreneur whose career spans almost six decades, with more than 40 albums to his name.

McGregor is excited to be working with the team. “With a new album in the works and the live scene coming out of hibernation, it seems like the right time to start writing a new chapter in my career. I want to connect with other writers and producers from around the world to keep inspiring me to make music that moves people,” he said.

Co-Chair and CEO of Warner Chappell Music, Guy Moot, stated, “Freddie is known as the ‘Captain of the Big Ship’ and with good reason. He’s been a pioneer in reggae for decades, writing songs that have moved fans around the world, and is well known for being generous with his time and efforts for younger up-and-coming artistes. We’re delighted that he’s signed with us, and can’t wait to get to work on his incredible catalogue and new music.”

Born in Hayes, Clarendon, in 1956, McGregor first found fame at just seven years old, when he went to Studio One with Fitzroy ‘Ernest’ Wilson and Peter Austin, founding members of The Clarendonians. Dubbed ‘Little Freddie’, McGregor had to stand on a beer crate to reach the microphone, and won hearts performing alongside the older Austin and Wilson. Wilson took young Freddie under his wing and they recorded several songs at Studio One under the name, Fitzy and Freddie.

McGregor converted to Rastafari in 1975 and his music took on a strong socially conscious tone, with songs such as Bobby Babylon, I Am A Rasta and Mark of the Beast. He was a key part of Studio One’s resurgence in the 1970s and ‘80s, with iconic hits such as Big Ship, I Was Born A Winner, Just Don’t Want To Be Lonely and Push Comes To Shove.

In 1983, McGregor founded his own indie label, Big Ship, and produced many artistes, including Lieutenant Stitchie, Luciano, Mikey Spice, Papa San and Tiger. In the same year, he released the critically acclaimed album, Come On Over, through RAS Records in the US.

The captain of the Big Ship continued recording into the 21st century, including the albums Signature (2000), Anything for You (2002), which won a Grammy nomination and Di Captain (2012).

Now working on a new album, he has recently released the single Don’t Tell Me No, in collaboration with Colombian reggae-fusion rock band Locos Por Juana, and Jah Is On My Mind, produced by UK-based Stingray Records.

McGregor has also become a widely respected elder statesman in the reggae music community, giving back through vehicles such as the Big Ship Music Fest, which supports emerging talent, and serving as the chairman of the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association. He was recognised with the Order of Distinction in 2003 for his contribution to music and has received countless other awards. He has played a leading role in trying to revive the live music industry in Jamaica following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.