Peter Tosh’s Powerful Cover of "Johnny B. Goode"

Reggae legend Peter Tosh transforms Chuck Berry’s rock and roll classic “Johnny B. Goode” into an epic Jamaican saga on this electrifying cover. He brings his special reggae magic to Berry’s rockin’ tale of a poor country boy who pins his dreams of stardom on his amazing guitar abilities. Tosh even changed the locale of the original from the backwoods of Louisiana to the Jamaican countryside of Mandeville. His soul-stirring rendition adds a whole new energy and feel to the song–lending it a spiritual quality. It’s brilliantly arranged and performed, featuring powerful horns, a mighty rhythm, and a scorching guitar solo from Donald Kinsey. And Tosh’s strong vocal performance is filled with passion and conviction.

Tosh’s cover of “Johnny B. Goode” was a single from his 1983 album Mama Africa. It rose to #48 on the UK singles chart and remained on the chart for six weeks. It also performed well on the charts in Belgium (#14), the Netherlands (#10), Zimbabwe (#15), Germany (#31) and New Zealand (#29). However, it only managed to reach #84 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The players on Tosh’s cover of “Johnny B. Goode” were Lebert “Gibby” Morrison (bass), Steven Golding (guitar), Carlton "Santa" Davis (drums), Peter Tosh (lead and background vocals, clavinet), David Madden (trumpet), Byron Allred (keyboard), Dean Fraser (saxophone), Donald Kinsey (lead guitar), Arnold Brakenridge (trumpet), Robin Lyn (organ), Ronald "Nambo" Robinson (trombone), Peter Couch (keyboard) and Junior "Chico" Chin (trumpet). The background vocals were provided by Pam Hall, Betty Wright, Raymond Hall, Dorrett Myers, Peter Tosh, Donald Kinsey, and Audrey Hall. 

Peter Tosh is one of reggae music’s most important and influential figures. He was a founding member of the Wailers, along with Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer. The pioneering Jamaican band helped shape the sound of reggae music in the 1960s and ‘70s. Tosh also had a terrific solo career, releasing some incredible music. His album No Nuclear War won the Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 1988.

Tosh was also a passionate social activist who constantly spoke out against racism, discrimination, and oppression. Many of his songs were about fighting racial injustice and inequality, including “Fight On,” “Equal Rights,” “Not Gonna Give It Up,” and “Fight Apartheid.” Additionally, he strongly advocated for the legalization of marijuana. In 1976, he released the song “Legalize It,” which promotes marijuana’s legalization. Tosh was also a devoted follower of Rastafari and its principles. Tragically he was murdered during a home invasion robbery on September 11, 1987. He was 42. 

Peter Tosh and his band perform "Johnny B. Goode" at the Greek Theatre in 1983

Peter Tosh's cover of "Johnny B. Goode" is available at Amazon