Two of the most racially charged incidents in modern American history inspired Wanted, the latest song by Eric Moore, a Jamaican singer based in South Carolina.
The Rodney King beating by police in Los Angeles in March, 1991 and the May, 2020 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis provided the backdrop for the uptempo track which Moore wrote, produced and played all instruments.
“I came up on a clip when the police were beating Rodney King back in the day, so that was a big influence, just looking at that tape and how they mistreated Rodney King. And then I looked back at George Floyd, and I decided to write Wanted,” Moore disclosed.
Recently released, Wanted is currently number 29 on the New York Reggae Chart. The song has a roots-reggae feel, complemented by a chilling rock guitar solo.
The Rodney King and George Floyd incidents sparked riots throughout the United States as well as global outrage against racial discrimination in that country. In both instances, the police officers involved were imprisoned.
Moore, who is from rural Hanover parish in western Jamaica, went for an eclectic feel on Wanted. He developed an ear for diverse sounds while performing in bands on the country’s tourist scene and on the Carnival Cruise line.
“That was a great learning experience, because you get to learn all the standards. They helped me to play certain chords; playing in the hotels was a great help for me,” said Moore, whose biggest vocal influences are former Third World singer Prilly Hamilton, A J Brown and Pam Hall.
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