Herman Sang is a pianist from Bournemouth Gardens, Jamaica. He played an integral part in the pre-ska and early-ska development of Jamaican music. Background Sang was a member of the Jiving Juniors. He was also in Alley Cats, The City Slickers, Hersan and the City Slickers, and Hersang and His Combo."Jiving Juniors Unleashes Derrick Harriott On The World", Jamaica Gleaner, 18 May 2014. Retrieved 20 May 2014 His young brother Claude Sang Jr. was a member of the ZodiacsHeather Augustyn, Author of books about ska - Jamaica’s Threat to the Beatles–the Zodiacs?The Gleaner, May 18, 2014 - Jiving Juniors unleashes Derrick Harriott on the world and had also recorded for the Sugar record label.Billboard, August 16, 1969 - Page 73 International News Reports, Sugar to Tap West Indies
Career 1950s to 1960s Herman Sang was the musical arranger at Tip Top Studios. he played on many of Roy Panton and Yvonne Harrison's recordings.Reggae Vibes, Dec 10, 2018 - Roy Panton interview, By the way, did you ever record with Herman Sang and his band?The English Connection Media - HISTORY OF JAMAICAN MUSIC, ROY PANTON & YVONNE HARRISON – A CHAPTER IN THE BOOK OF SKA
Sang formed the Jiving Juniors in 1958 with Eugene Dwyer, Derrick Harriott, and Maurice Wynter. Singer Jimmy James recalled that he went to see producer Lyndon Pottinger around that time. Jiving Juniors member, Herman Sang was doing the auditions. James said to Sang "I don't think sey me is any singer, I just write the song for somebody to sing it". Sang told him to come into the studio and sing it, and whoever is going to sing it will hear what he did and pick up on it. The next thing James knew it was playing on the radio.The Gleaner, March 31, 2017 - The Music Diaries | Jimmy James among greats to lay Ska, Rocksteady foundation - Roy Black
In September 1962 Owen Gray had his song "Best Twist" released on Blue Beat BB 113. The B side "Grandma-Grandpa" was by Owen Gray, Hersang and the City Slickers.45Cat - Artist: Owen Gray, A Owen Gray Best Twist
In 1963, Sang stepped back from music and took up a position at the Standard Oil refinery in the West Indies as a shift supervisor.Reggae Jamaica Way, 6/21/2014 - - Herman Sang -, PRESENT DAY
2000s In 2002, Sang played at the "Legends of Ska" in Toronto, Canada. It was recorded by filmmaker Brad Klein and became part of the Legends of Ska film.Jamaica Way, 6/21/2014 - - Herman Sang -, PRESENT DAY Personal life Sang is married to Bernice and lives in Canada now. He is a father to two children and grandfather.Jamaica Way, 6/21/2014 - - Herman Sang -, PRESENT DAY
Further reading Podomatic - Herman Sang - (Jiving Juniors) - JA Way Reggae Podcast
References
External links AllMusic Credits Reggaejamaicaway profile