Born in London, Lovers Rock defined a generation in the late 70s and 80s and is a huge influential sub-genre of reggae. It gave women a voice in the traditionally male-dominated realm of Reggae. Lovers Rock was also an integral part of Black British identity during a politically and socially unstable time.
Carroll Thompson’s debut album, Hopelessly in Love, stands out as one of the most important reggae albums of its time – a groundbreaking release, which helped define British reggae for a new generation. Her singles ‘I’m So Sorry’ and ‘Simply In Love’, both topped the reggae chart in 1981. She won two GLR Reggae Awards in 1982, for Best Female Performer and Best Song (for Hopelessly In Love). In 1983, she won further awards, again winning Best Female Performer at the GLR awards. Always a voice in demand, Carroll has worked with Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Pet Shop Boys, Robbie Williams, Boy George, Maxi Priest, Sting, Billy Ocean, Chaka Khan, Aswad and M People.
She continued with regular reggae chart hits, recording with Sugar Minott, Trevor Walters, Aswad and Courtney Pine and worked with Mad Professor on The Other Side Of Love album.
Carroll’s warm vocals and honest songwriting perfectly capture the magical era of Lovers Rock.
