The Congos
Falsetto, tenor and chant stacked until they sound older than the room. The Congos’ Black Ark sessions turned one album into a permanent roots-reggae landmark.
GO DEEPER
Cedric Myton and Roydel “Ashanti” Johnson formed the core of The Congos, with Watty Burnett adding a deep third voice to the Black Ark sessions that became Heart of the Congos. Lee “Scratch” Perry surrounded their harmonies with Nyahbinghi-influenced percussion, horns, bass, echo and the strange density of his backyard studio. The album’s history was troubled by limited original distribution, but “Fisherman,” “Congoman” and “Open Up the Gate” kept growing in stature through reissues and word of mouth. The group continued in changing forms, yet the 1970s record remains the gravitational center because it sounds both intimate and monumental.
Where the history is argued
- Heart of the Congos appeared in multiple mixes, pressings and reissue configurations. “1977” is the conventional album date, while sessions spanned the preceding period.
How they stand with the others
Came togetherHeart of the Congos is inseparable from both the singers and Perry’s Black Ark production language.
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Last checked 1 September 2026