– Singers Terry Linen and Anthony Red rose have come together and added new gloss to ‘No Heathen’, which was originally done by the latter in 1994 for Startrail Records. Tad Dawkins Jr. produced the new version which will be released on January 12 by Tad’s International Record.
Best known for songs like ‘Couldn’t be The Girl For Me’ and ‘Your Love is my Love’, Terry Linen approached Red rose about covering ‘No Heathen’. Their rendition features minor tweaks to the original lyrics, but the song retains its potency and relevance 27 years after it was recorded.
Another difference to the Tad’s version is the use of live instruments. Saxophonist Dean Fraser, trumpeter Okiel McIntyre, guitarist Mitchum “Khan” Chin, drummer Kirk Bennett and Donald “Danny Bassie” Dennis ensured justice was done to a bona fide roots classic.
“Is a song mi always love, ’cause it have certain powers. Dat song is about me,” said Terry Linen.
‘No Heathen’ is projected to be part of his next album, tentatively scheduled for release in the second quarter of 2024.
Born Kiplin Simpson in St. Elizabeth parish, southern Jamaica, Terry Linen started singing there in the Baptist Church. Interestingly, he launched his recording career in the mid-1990s shortly before Anthony Red rose cut ‘No Heathen’.
Like the original, their version is bound to be a hit.
Written by: Howard Campbell
