
Wailing Souls Live at Blue Note Hawaii
Overview
The Wailing Souls perform at Blue Note Hawaii in Honolulu, bringing legendary roots reggae to one of the Pacific's most iconic music venues. As surviving elder statesmen from reggae's golden era in the late 1960s and early 1970s, this Grammy-nominated group represents a direct musical lineage from Trench Town, Kingston, where they learned from reggae pioneer Joe Higgs alongside Bob Marley and other foundational reggae icons. Their performance promises an evening of authentic roots reggae infused with the harmonic sophistication and genre-pushing innovation that has defined their five-decade career.
The Wailing Souls have recorded over 26 albums and achieved international recognition, particularly through their featured tracks on Disney's 1993 Cool Runnings soundtrack and their 1992 album All Over The World, which sold over 800,000 copies worldwide. Their ability to fuse Motown harmonies with roots and dancehall reggae has earned them three Grammy nominations and a reputation as pioneers who continuously push reggae's musical boundaries. Blue Note Hawaii provides an intimate, world-class setting for experiencing one of reggae music's most enduring and respected vocal harmony groups.
Highlights
Trench Town Legends: The Wailing Souls are among the few surviving musicians who learned directly from Joe Higgs in Jamaica's historic Trench Town yards, the same cradle of reggae that produced Bob Marley and other iconic artists. This direct lineage makes them living ambassadors of reggae's most authentic and foundational era.
Grammy-Nominated Pioneers: With three Grammy nominations and over 26 albums spanning five decades, the Wailing Souls have continuously pushed reggae's musical boundaries by fusing Motown harmonies, funk, R&B, and country into their roots traditions. Their innovative approach secured their reputation as genre-defining pioneers.
Cool Runnings & International Success: The group achieved mainstream international recognition when their music was featured on the 1993 Cool Runnings soundtrack, which became a certified gold album. Their 1992 album All Over The World sold over 800,000 copies, demonstrating their broad appeal beyond reggae purists.
Five Decades of Vocal Mastery: The Wailing Souls have maintained an unmatched longevity in reggae music, becoming arguably the longest-running reggae band on the planet. Their impassioned lead vocals tempered by soaring sympathetic harmonies have complemented some of the most enduring rhythms in reggae history.
Studio One & Legendary Producers: Throughout their career, the Wailing Souls have collaborated with reggae's most celebrated producers, including Coxson Dodd at Studio One (Jamaica's 'Motown'), Henry 'Junjo' Lawes, and recordings at Bob Marley's Tuff Gong label. These partnerships produced multiple hit singles including 'War,' 'Firehouse Rock,' and 'Bredda Gravlicious.'
Chart-Topping Hits Across Eras: From their early reggae classics to their digital-era innovations, the Wailing Souls have scored number-one hits including 'Things and Time,' 'Jah Jah,' 'Old Broom,' and 'Shark Attack.' Their consistent ability to create resonant, lyrically powerful music has kept them relevant across multiple decades.
Sentiment Analysis
Living connection to reggae's foundational era and authentic roots sound
Legendary vocal harmonies combining Motown sophistication with reggae innovation
Grammy-nominated group with five decades of chart-topping hits and cultural significance
Intimate venue experience with elder statesmen musicians still actively performing
Limited tour dates and appearances from aging legendary performers
High ticket prices typical of Blue Note venues for premium live performances
Know Before You Go
Blue Note Hawaii is located in Honolulu and maintains standard venue policies for all performances. Attendees should arrive early to allow sufficient time for entry procedures and security screening. The venue is an upscale, full-service nightclub with a restaurant and bar offering food and beverage service. Please check Blue Note Hawaii's official website or contact the venue directly for current bag policies, dress code requirements, age restrictions, and any COVID-19 or health protocols in effect at the time of your visit. Generally, most Blue Note venues require guests to be 21 or older for evening performances, though this may vary; verification of ID is standard.
Hot Tip
Arrive at least 45 minutes early to secure premium seating and allow time for security screening, as Blue Note Hawaii typically reaches capacity quickly for legendary performers. This timing ensures you have your choice of table positioning to maximize your view of the stage while enjoying the venue's full dining and bar service experience before the performance begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Location
Meeting Point
Blue Note Hawaii Honolulu HI US

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