"Deep Down With Dennis Brown" by Penny Reel is a beautiful and highly personal account of the life and music of the late, great Dennis Emmanuel Brown. Reel draws from his experiences as a young reggae fan in the seventies and as a writer for prominent publications, immersing himself in London’s underground reggae scene to tell Brown's story. The book is filled with rare photos, record labels, and handbills from the author’s collection, making it a vivid narrative of the reggae scene in England during the 1970s. It is praised for providing an essential perspective for anyone interested in this vibrant musical era.
The book traces the life of Dennis Brown, who passed away at the young age of 42, robbing the reggae world of one of its most beloved figures. Brown, celebrated from his childhood and known as the Boy Wonder, left behind a legacy of a 30-year recording career that saw him release more records and score more hits than any other artist in reggae. The book specifically focuses on the peak of his career during the 1970s when Brown made his most famous recordings. Presented as a short story through Reel's personal lens, the narrative offers unique insights into the cultural and musical impacts of Brown's work, accompanied by full-color illustrations of memorabilia from the time.
This book is not just a tribute to Dennis Brown but also a critical piece of reggae historiography, exploring the broader cultural significance of his music and the scene that shaped it. For fans of reggae and music history, it's an indispensable addition to their collection.
