Griff and Michele release their version of the Ska/Reggae Classic ‘54-46’
Artist Name: Griff and Michele
Single: 54 - 46
Release Date: 30th March 2025
Label: Sounds of the Suburbs
Griff and Michele with one ‘L’ release the follow up to their “HIT” single ‘Christmas Smile’, a cover of the 1968 Ska/Rocksteady/Reggae classic ‘54-46’ by Toots and The Maytals. One of the first reggae songs to receive widespread popularity outside of Jamaica, and is seen as being one of the defining songs of the genre. This new version recorded at the Fantastic Sunshine Corner Studios, comes with fun and feeling, capturing Griff’s irrepressible character. Like ‘Christmas Smile’ the song is a collaboration between Rock Radio UK/New Dawn FM DJ/author/musician Griff Griffiths, Michele ‘with one L’ (Co host of Griff’s drive time radio show on New Dawn FM) & producer Steve ‘Smiley’ Barnard, who comes with real pedigree (Robbie Williams, Joe Strummer, Gene Loves Jezebel, Mike Peters, Tony Visconti.)
Guest vocalists joining Griff & Michele on the track from the world of Mod/Ska and great music include: The Chords UK/AKA The Syndicate/The Dirty Strangers/Witchdoktors/Johny Copp (Love Parade) Damien Maddison/Ghosts – The Spirit of The Jam/The Vulz/The Dear Boys/The Hornets/Sharp Class/ Billy Whissel (CIRCA79). The fun filled video was filmed on location in Brighton in and around the iconic landmark of “Quadrophenia Alley”. The real life partnership of Griff and Michele depicted in a “love story”. 54-46 will also be available on red vinyl 12" in EP format, including previous singles - ‘Christmas Smile’, ‘Gogo Coco’, and ‘I had a dream’, available from Sounds of The Suburbs record shop.
Born into a close knit, large family from Notting Hill ‘Griff’ has been a market trader, tyre fitter, professional musician, artist, entrepreneur, furniture dealer, comedian, songwriter, author ('I was the King of Spain'), a father, and Lifelong mental health sufferer. Griffiths also co-produced and directed the documentary ‘Are They Hostile?’ Voted 3rd best film of 2022 by Vive Le Rock. A gritty feature length documentary on the Croydon Punk, and New Wave scene between 1977 to 1980
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