Don Letts’ reputation has been firmly established in both the film and music world by a substantial body of work from the late 70's through the 80's, 90’s and well into the millennium. His work has been exhibited in The Kitchen N.Y.C, The Institute of Contemporary Art, The N.F.T in London and was honored at Brooklyn’s BAM festival and The Milan Film festival. In March 2003 he won a Grammy for his documentary ‘Westway To The World’.
SMUSIC CREDITS
Don continues to D.J nationally and internationally playing strictly old and new school dub reggae. His set is in the spirit of his time as DJ at London’s legendary Roxy club back in ’77.
From the days of Punk Rock to present day Don has always been drawn towards musical projects. After d.j’ing at the Roxy and whilst directing videos for many other acts he created the band Basement Five, released a single with members of John Lydon’s P.I.L, managed the Slits and collaborated with members of Trouble Funk. He recently recorded a reggae version of the London Calling!
In the mid 80's he formed the group 'Big Audio Dynamite' with Mick Jones (ex-Clash). He went on to perform and co-write four albums with B.A.D achieving several hits on both sides of the Atlantic including the top ten hit E=Mc2. The band recently reformed for a world tour to sell out shows and critical acclaim.
In the early nineties Don left B.A.D to form ‘Screaming Target’ their debut performance at The Transmusical Festival in France received rave reviews. They released one critically acclaimed album ‘Hometown Hi-Fi’’.
Don d.j’s nationally and internationally, sets include Glastonbury – Bestival - Lovebox – The Big Chill – Stussy 25th Anniversary - Adidas –- Doctor Martins - Latitude - The Rough Trade 25th Anniversary - Lee Perry’s Meltdown –Rizzla -Island Records 50th anniversary - Massive Attack’s Meltdown – Vintage At Goodwood - Womad and Festival No.6 to name a few. He was recently asked to d.j for both Arcade Fire’s soid out London gigs at The Roundhouse.
Along with collaborations with Dreadzone and remixes for various acts Don has also released several compilation albums:
1996 ‘Time Warp Dub Clash’ (Island Records) a compilation of old and new school dubs.
2002 ‘Dread Meets The Punk Rockers Uptown’ (Heavenly Records) voted one of the top ten compilations by the N.M.E.
2003 ‘Don Letts presents: The Mighty Trojan Sound’ (Sanctuary Records) a critically acclaimed compilation of classic seventies reggae. 2004 ‘Dread Meets B-Boy Downtown’ (Heavenly Records) a compilation of early eighties hip-hop.
2008 ‘Dread Meets Greensleeves: A Westside Revolution’ (Greensleeves Records) compiling late seventies roots to two thousand and eight dancehall.
2015 ‘Dread Meets The Punk Rockers Uptown Volume 2’ a follow up the critically acclaimed first release. ‘Dread Meets Yasushi Ide’: (Japan only) a bass heavy selection from the land of the rising dub.