A giant of Caribbean radio in the United States, Clinton Lindsay worked tirelessly to break Jamaican music in the American mainstream during the 1970s and 1980s. As a broadcaster and show promoter, he made his mark in the competitive tri-state area.
Clinton Lindsay
On March 22, his achievements will be recognized by the International Reggae And World Music Awards (IRAWMA), with a special honor during that organization’s ceremony at Lauderhill Performing Arts Center in South Florida.
“It is always an honor to be recognized for your work, and again, it feels great to be bestowed with such a special award. I thank the voting members of IRAWMA for this precious moment,” said Lindsay, who has lived in the United States since the early 1970s.
His first taste of radio came at WTNY, the station at New York Institute of Technology, his alma mater. He was also editor of the school magazine, covering key events like Bob Marley’s historic shows at the Apollo Theater in October, 1979.
Shortly after graduation, Lindsay got a job at WHBI (later known as WNWK 105.9 FM) in New York, alongside fellow Jamaicans Clive Hudson and Earl “Rootsman” Chin.
While there, his embrace of dancehall music made his show a favorite of West Indian listeners who were fans of that sound, which erupted in Kingston during the early 1980s.
Introducing that culture to the tri-state region, Lindsay stated, is his biggest accomplishment.
“My ability via the radio to introduce unknown or emerging artists like Papa San, Shabba Ranks, Super Cat, Lieutenant Stitchie, Half Pint, Ed Robinson, Cocoa Tea, Sister Charmaine, Tiger, Lady G, Pinchers, Lovindeer, Professor Nuts, Admiral Bailey, Sanchez, Peter Metro, Lady Ann, Flourgon, Cutty Ranks, and many others, to an American audience. I believe this was what made the difference,” he said.
Now based in South Florida, Clinton Lindsay operates the Foundation Radio Network which compiles influential reggae charts covering that area and New York.
Chris Chin, CEO of VP Records, recording artists Glen Washington, Mr. Vegas, Papa San and Honorebel, are also among the 2024 honorees at the 41st IRAWMAs.
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