As a child, McGregor was a part of The Clarendonians, one of Jamaica’s most successful Ska and early Reggae groups. He was co-opted to the group after the suggestion was made by legendary record producer Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd of Studio One. Freddie, it was said, was so tiny at the time, that he had to stand on a beer crate to reach the microphone.

For the past four decades, McGregor has been one of reggae’s front-runners. He is known for songs including Big Ship, Push Comes to Shove, Just Don’t Want to be Lonely,and I’m A Winner.Campbell, Howard (7 March 2011). "Freddie approaches 50 years in music biz". Jamaica Gleaner . Retrieved 8 March 2011. Freddie McGregor Signs Deal With Warner Chappell Music". DancehallMag. 9 December 2021 . Retrieved 10 December 2021.

Just last week, the singer joined the Mighty Crown sound system on their Far East Reggae Cruise. In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, McGregor had reported that the set lived up to his, and fan’s’ expectations. The 66-year-old singer – who has enjoyed a glittering four decade career spanning hits such as Push Comes to Shove and Just Don’t Want to be Lonely – had toured across Africa in the autumn. In 1963 he joined with Ernest Wilson and Peter Austin to form The Clarendonians, and began to record for the Studio One label. He was only seven years old at the time and was known as 'Little Freddie'. [2] [3] He was also a member of the Generation Gap. [4]Japan was ready for me, and I was ready for them, never seen so many people cry. Both happy for my recovery, and happy to see me,” he said. REGGAE LEGEND Freddie McGregor is said to be convalescing at a Florida medical facilitiy after suffering a stroke earlier this week. In 1975, McGregor converted to Rastafarianism. Still with Studio One and working with Earl "Chinna" Smith, he recorded several classic songs. In 2013, he received a Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Award from the Institute of Caribbean Studies. [6]

The Big Ship singer, who had a busy schedule, is recuperating as well-wishers posted messages on social media for his recovery. Coxsone later paired McGregor with Ernest Wilson of The Clarendonians as ‘Fitzy and Freddy’ on the hit single Why Did You Do It I in 1966, which was Freddie’s first recording.In 1980, he recorded the great "Bobby Babylon" LP for Studio One that becomes a classic Roots Reggae album. One of McGregor's three sons, Stephen "Di Genius" McGregor, is a dancehall record producer. More recently, he had signed a deal with Warner Chappell Music. [7] Discography [ edit ] Albums [ edit ] Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19thed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p.339. ISBN 1-904994-10-5. Last year, it was reported that the Big Ship Label founder is also getting ready to release his album in early 2023, A Breath of Fresh Air, produced by British company Stingray Records. He established the Big Ship label in 1983, and has produced many artists including Papa San, Lieutenant Stitchie, Tiger, Luciano and Mikey Spice. [4]

McGregor hails from Hayes in Clarendon. He began his music career at seven years old at the legendary Studio One with Fitzroy “Ernest” Wilson and Peter Austin, founding members of The Clarendonians. Wilson took the youngster under his wing and recorded several songs under the name Fitzy and Freddie. McGregor stayed at Studio One for much of the '70s. He sang lead for groups like Generation Gap and Soul Syndicate, and also recorded off and on as a solo act during the '70s.

FREDDIE MCGREGOR - full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 1 November 2022. When me make the song and see how people react to it outside of what I mean, it is amazing," he said. In February, I will start working to finish that project before my touring starts in March at the Moon Splash Festival in Anguilla,” he said. “Followed by a major festival in Virginia, then (a) festival in Baltimore. I was at the Royal Albert Hall in London with David Rodigan and his Outlook Orchestra, plus other shows in the US before returning to the UK for another festival with David’s Orchestra on June 19.” McGregor however intends to return to the drawing board regarding that set, before a myriad of tours and appearances this year.