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Jackie Gabriel (vocals)
Grant Gabriel
Rupert Harvey (rhythm guitar)
Trevor Daley (trombone)
Mark Smith (bass)
Alvin Jones (saxophone, flute)
Dwight Gabriel (trumpet)
Glenn Ricketts (vocals)
Carl Harvey (guitar)
Jacek Sobotta (keyboards)
Carl Otway (drums)
Andre King (bass; replaced Smith)
George Flint (bass, guitar, vocals; 1981)
James McGee (lead vocals; 1981)
Douglas Buchanan (keyboards; 1981)
Crack Of Dawn were an R & B/funk outfit who were quite popular in the live dance clubs. The band was formed in Kingston, Jamaica by natives Grant Gabriel, Trevor Daley, Rupert Harvey, Mark Smith & Alvin Jones. Grant Gabriel’s sister, Jackie, originally sang for the group.
They relocated from Jamaica to Toronto, Ontario in the mid-70's and rehearsed in Gabriel's basement. Glenn Ricketts and Carl Harvey came soon after as they began to make their way in the Toronto club scene.
In 1975 the band attracted interest from Columbia Records and were the first Canadian black band to ever sign with a major label. Smith was replaced by Andre King a year into their recording contract with Columbia.
Columbia released one LP and four singles including the Chuck Jackson written "It's Alright" which went to No.42 nationally in the spring of 1976.
Another version of Crack of Dawn emerged in 1981 under the leadership of Dwight Gabriels who recorded a new album called 'Horizons' at Kensington Sound. They were only able to get the album released in Europe on the WEA label
Ricketts moved back to Jamaica and began a successful solo career; Carl Harvey and drummer Otway became independent producers. Harvey would go on to be a solo artist and produce most of Messenjah's albums, the hit single "Hands Up" by Sway and has been the lead guitarist for Toots And The Maytals for more than two decades. In 2004 Toots And The Maytals received a Grammy for "Best Reggae Album" with 'True Love'; Rupert Harvey went on to form successful Toronto reggae act Messenjah; King was a pick-up musician and eventually taught music at York University; Dwight Gabriel got into session work; Daley set up a management company to handle the careers of Messenjah, Syren and 20th Century Rebels.
In 1986 the band reunited to record on Daley and Jones' Version Records and would also release material by Glenn Ricketts and Messenjah.
with notes from Carl Harvey and Alvin Jones.
Singles
1975 The Key/Mind Wrecker (Columbia/CBS) C4-4089
1976 It's Alright (This Feeling I'm Feeling)/I Can't Move No Mountains (Columbia/CBS) C4-4129
1976 Keep The Faith/ (Columbia/CBS)
1976 Boobie Ruby/Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is (Columbia/CBS) C4-4142
1981 If You Want To Groove/Just Time For Lovin' (WEA - Netherlands) WEA-28.270
Albums
1976 Crack Of Dawn (Columbia/CBS) ES-90336
1981 Horizons (WEA - Netherlands) WEAN-58343
1995 Lebby's Night Watch (independent) CD-0001
Video
Compilation Tracks
Official Carl Harvey Website
