Lead vocalist of The Beat and General Public, known for his energetic stage presence and iconic 2 Tone ska sound.
Ranking Roger was the iconic vocalist of the 1980s ska band The Beat, known in North America as The English Beat, and later, new wave band General Public. With his energetic style and Jamaican-influenced vocals, he distinguished himself as a pioneer in the ska revival movement.
Born Roger Charlery on February 22, 1963, in Birmingham, England, he grew up in the Small Heath area of the city. His parents, Jean Baptiste Charlery and Anne Marie, were from Saint Lucia, making him of West Indian descent.
Ranking Roger's love for music started at a young age. He attended Archbishop Williams school and began deejaying with reggae sound systems before becoming a drummer with the Dum Dum Boys in 1978.
In the late 1970s, Ranking Roger became a punk rock fan and eventually joined The Beat, a ska revival band. His friendship with the band members led to him gatecrashing their gigs, taking the mic, and toasting. His energetic style and Jamaican-influenced vocals, paired with Dave Wakeling, were crucial in distinguishing The Beat from other second-wave ska bands.
The Beat released three critically acclaimed albums: "I Just Can't Stop It" (1980), "Whappen" (1981), and "Special Beat Service" (1982). Music journalist Richard Grabel wrote in 1985, "In The Beat, his role was mainly to toast... But those toasts often contained the songs' most important emotional messages."
After The Beat disbanded, Ranking Roger went on to form General Public with Dave Wakeling. The band released two albums, "All the Rage" (1984) and "Hand to Mouth" (1986).
In the 1990s, Ranking Roger continued to perform and record music, both as a solo artist and with various bands. He also worked as a session musician and collaborated with other artists.
Ranking Roger's contribution to the ska and reggae genres cannot be overstated. He was a key figure in the 2 Tone movement, a fusion of punk, ska, and reggae that captivated the UK music scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
His music and energetic stage presence inspired a generation of musicians, including The Police, The Specials, and Madness. Ranking Roger's legacy continues to influence contemporary music, with his unique blend of Jamaican-influenced vocals and punk energy.
Ranking Roger was known for his charitable work, particularly in support of cancer research and awareness. He was also an advocate for social justice and equality.
Ranking Roger's vibrant voice, energetic stage presence, and contributions to the ska and reggae genres continue to inspire and influence new generations of musicians and fans alike.
70 Years Old
Lead vocalist and guitarist of The Beat and General Public, known for blending ska, reggae, and pop to create catchy, upbeat hits like "Save It for Later" and "Tenderness".
70 Years Old
Lead guitarist and songwriter for the British rock band Wishbone Ash, known for his intricate dual guitar harmonies and iconic riffs.
