Two decades after his passing, the legacy of the Crown Prince of Reggae Dennis Emmanuel Brown will be celebrated with the release of a single on his birthday, February 1. Producer Tads Dawkins, on whose Tad’s Records imprint the song will appear, disclosed to The Sunday Gleaner that this release is special because of its resonance, and also, it is in keeping with the wishes of the late Rastafarian singer.

“Before Dennis died, he kept asking us to release this single, Bobby Socks to Stockings, however, we never got around to it before he passed. The fact is that the song speaks to a constant reality in our society, the transition of a girl into womanhood,” he shared.

Dawkins noted that Bobby Socks to Stockings has a lover’s rock feel and “the execution of his voice is superb”.

One month after the single drops, Tads Records will have another treat in store for Dennis Brown fans: a double album titled Satisfaction Feeling Deluxe Edition. The 28-song offering covers his storied 31-year career and comprises songs that can rightfully be labelled classics. Among them are the anthem Here I Come/ Love & Hate; S top the Fighting; The Promise Land; Inseparable; Satisfaction Feeling; Armagedon, and Unite Brotherman.

According to Dawkins: “It really wasn’t difficult to get the songs as all of them were available in the Tad’s vault. We just had to select the ones that reggae music connoisseurs and his fans would love and appreciate.”

Dennis Brown, who passed away on July 1, 1999, is remembered as one of Jamaica’s most-loved entertainers and was an inspiration and influence for many reggae singers from the late 1970s to the dawn of the new millennium. It is said that even Bob Marley named D. Brown as his favourite reggae artiste.

Dawkins, who was both a personal friend and producer, hailed the iconic reggae singer and shared insights into his personality.

“D. Brown was a humble person, and his work ethic was exceptional. He was always ready and available to record. He would sometimes call us from England asking when the next recording session would be. His overall love for mankind was indeed reflected in his infectious smile and charm. So D. Brown, the man and the musician, was a gift to us. His lover’s rock voice is a thrilling pleasure to listen to on any given day.”

Dennis Brown would have celebrated his 63rd birthday this year.