New Music To Be Released in 2024

It’s hard to overstate the impact of John Brown’s Body on the American reggae scene. Not only did they pave the way for today’s headliners like Slightly Stoopid, Stick Figure and Rebelution, they are uniquely woven into our very own DNA here at Rootfire (our founder, Seth Herman, was their manager for many years). For longtime followers of the music, today’s news that original members are reuniting to record and tour is jaw-droppingly cool. We will have plenty more to say about it in the near future, but today we share JBB’s own press release…

The torch has been relit! The trailblazers of the American Reggae scene, John Brown’s Body will be returning to the stage in 2024. The group will include founding members Kevin Kinsella (vocals), Tommy Benedetti (drums), and Lee Hamilton (saxophone), plus veterans Nate Edgar (bass), Jon Pentonzio (keys) and TJ Schaper (trombone), as well as newcomer Van Gordon Martin (guitar).

After a hiatus from the road and studio, members of the various incarnations of the JBB family reunited in early 2023 for a select run of shows in upstate New York. Longtime lead singer Elliot Martin passed the torch back to original lead singer Kevin Kinsella to continue the legacy of JBB music. After an enthusiastic response from both band members and fans, the group looks forward to bringing more music to the stage in 2024.

John Brown’s Body was formed in Ithaca, New York in the mid 90s, and quickly became pioneers of the American Reggae scene. Hailed as “Future roots, reggae, and dub” (WRUV), their unique approach resonated with the masses. Though their music is rooted in Reggae tradition, the band unapologetically combines various influences to create a distinct sound.  JBB has built “a legacy that has inspired and carved a path for the now thriving contemporary American reggae scene” (Rudeboy Reggae). The band’s storied career has spanned over three decades, ten albums, and thousands of shows around the globe.

Their seminal album “All Time” (Itown Records) achieved near mythical status and is credited with being a cornerstone of the American Reggae scene. Later, the band collaborated with renowned reggae labels Shanachie Records and Easy Star Records. The group’s 2008 full-length record, Amplify, hit #1 on the Billboard Reggae Chart, 2012’s JBB In Dub EP reached #1 on iTunes’ Reggae Chart, and in 2013 Kings And Queens topped both Billboard and iTunes Reggae Charts at #1. The band has also shared the stage with Slightly Stoopid, Dave Matthews, Burning Spear, Stick Figure, Gym Class Heroes, SOJA, and many more.

The most recent incarnation of  John Brown’s Body looks forward to performing their classics and releasing new music in 2024.