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Jazzie B

(1963-), Musician and music producer; founder of Soul II Soul

Jazzie B (Beresford Romeo)

Sitter in 2 portraits
Born Beresford Romeo in Hornsey, London to parents of Antiguan descent, Jazzie B was the ninth of ten children. He formed Soul II Soul with Philip Harvey and Nellee Hooper in 1983. The group began by providing sound systems to warehouse parties and selling clothes featuring their trademark 'Funki Dred' style, which became a symbol of club culture in the late 1980s and 1990s. They went on to make Grammy-award winning records by 1987. They achieved widespread critical acclaim with the album Club Classics Volume 1 (1989), which included the successful singles Keep on Movin' (1989) and Back to Life (However Do You Want Me) (1989). In 1993, Jazzie B co-wrote and produced the album Universal James with James Brown. He was awarded an OBE for his services to music in 2008 and in the same year won the inaugural Inspiration award at the Ivor Novello Awards. Jazzie B continues to be a music producer and has signed dance act Wookie to his label. He also hosts a Sunday afternoon radio show called ‘Back II Life’ on Solar Radio, and DJs worldwide.

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Jazzie B, by Simon Frederick - NPG P2060

Jazzie B

by Simon Frederick
archival inkjet print, 2016
NPG P2060

Jazzie B, by Mark Guthrie - NPG x125117

Jazzie B

by Mark Guthrie
chromogenic print, 1999
NPG x125117

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