Passage – Nora Dean
The singer was best known for the risque 1969 hit song Barbwire (Oh Mama). She died in September in Connecticut at age 72.
Spanish Town-born Dean was a member of two groups: The Soulettes (with Rita Marley and Cecile Campbell) and the Ebony Sisters. She sang lead on The Soulettes’ hit,
Let It Be and the Ebony Sisters’Let Me, Tell You Boy.
Dean recorded for several producers including Duke Reid, Bunny Lee, Sonia Pottinger, Lee Perry and Harry Mudie.
Barbwire, her signature song, was produced by Byron Smith.
She had minor success in the 1970s with
Scorpion In His Pants, Night Food Reggae, Greedy Boy andThe Same Thing You Gave To Daddy. Dean also sang on Jimmy Cliff’s 1973 album,Unlimited.
The latter stages of her career ware devoted to gospel. Dean recorded a number of inspirational albums including
My Soul Loves Jesus, Melody of Praise, Down On My Knees, The Love of God andAt Calgary.
— Howard Campbell
