The next day I met Grizzly down by the shop to get some history and to cut a few dubs...
Professor Grizzly was born in Trenchtown and began singing early on at talent shows and with local sound-systems. He had his first hit with the combo tune (with Little Lenny), "SHINING STAR" released on the STEREO MIX label.
Professor Grizzly & Little lenny - My Shining Star (Stereo Mix) 7"
http://deadlydragonsound.com/v3_records_info.php?id=3324
This tune caught the attention of Miami based producer Donald Vassel a.k.a. Crat Productions who ended up licensing Shining Star for a 12" US release. Crat, who had been putting together LPs for Chuck Turner and Major Mackarel, brought Grizzly to the US and began recording him on some of the hardest hitting riddims of the late 80s, most notably "FIGHT THE PROFESSOR" and "SANDRA"
Professor Grizzly - Fight The Professor (Crat) 7"
http://deadlydragonsound.com/v3_records_info.php?id=4437
Professor Grizzly - Sandra (Crat) 12"
http://deadlydragonsound.com/v3_records_info.php?id=7589
two tunes that became legendary and greatly coveted slabs of vinyl as the years passed and new listeners re-discovered the 80s digital sound. Like many of the great labels of the 80s, CRAT got caught up in some legal woes and plans for a Professor Grizzly LP came to naught. But, Grizzly had blossomed in New York, taking part in some iconic Biltmore Ballroom shows with Super Cat, Chuck Turner, Major Mackarel and more and becoming associated with Addies Sound System as they dominated New York and beyond during their twilight reign. In the early 90s Professor Grizzly cut come major major music for Bobby Konders' MASSIVE B label including the ridiculously tuff tunes "HERO" and "ALL INFORMER MUST DIE."
Professor Grizzly - Hero (Massive B) 12"
http://deadlydragonsound.com/v3_records_info.php?id=12889
Professor Grizzy - Informer Mus Die (Massive B) 12"
http://deadlydragonsound.com/v3_records_info.php?id=5453
But, with the changing tides of the record label poltricks and family and finances and all the other diversions that life can throw at a person, Professor Grizzly drifted away from the recording industry.
In recent years he has been revisiting his love of reggae and he has not skipped a beat. The dubs that we cut with Professor Grizzly went beyond perfection. His timing, his passion, his professionalism and his voice were so on point that I, honestly, was astounded. As good a group of dubs as I have ever cut. So big up to Professor Grizzly and for alla you out there who love Grizzly's music and would like some killer dubs or to voice the man -- contact us at INFO@DEADLYDRAGONSOUND.com
