Lloyd Parks and We The People, currently Jamaica’s hardest working backing band was formed in 1975 by Lloyd, evolving out of the popular 70s aggregation Skin, Flesh and Bones which also included drummer extraordinaire Sly Dunbar. These are two musicians who have helped reggae music become much more than music played in the dancehalls or below Half Way Tree. Reggae music is now world famous and “hot on the box” too!

Lloyd is more than the founder and leader of these ambassadors of reggae. He is the very cornerstone of their tight, unpretentious sound, and there are few, if any  reggae musicians or music lovers anywhere who are not familiar with Lloyd Parks’ background.

Lloyd actually began his music career as a singer and one half of rock steady duo The Termites with Wentworth Vernal. They were responsible for hits like ‘Do The Rock Steady’, ‘Rub Up Push Up’ and the big one ‘Have Mercy Mr. Percy’ all on the Coxsone label; and it is quite fitting that MKB is paying tribute to the rock steady era and some of its stars.

The band comprises eight musicians, who are all big names locally, and two members, saxophonist Tony Green and trombonist Everald Gayle have released solo instrumental CDs which have been very well received.

Along with being one of the leading reggae bass players in the world, Lloyd is well known for his vocal prowess on hits like ‘Slaving,’ ‘Reservation For Two’, ‘Baby Hang Up The Phone,’ ‘Stars’, ‘I’m In Love Again’, ‘Ordinary Man’ and his trademark ‘Officially’.

We The People has been the number one band for the Heineken Startime vintage series since 1988 and has backed almost all of the artistes who have appeared each year over the thirteen-year period.