Singing the jailhouse rock

Bunny Wailer (Neville Livingston): One of the original members of the legendary Wailers. In June 1967 his career was placed on hold when he was arrested for possession of ganja. He served a 14-month prison sentence. After his release in 1968, he and his band topped charts with hard-hitting songs like Duppy Conqueror and the 1973 album, Catch a Fire. After parting with the Wailers, Wailer produced seminal albums like Blackheart Man. He has won three Grammy Awards and in October, received Jamaica's fourth highest honour, the Order of Jamaica.

Toots Hibbert

Lead singer of The Maytals, Toots' career was interrupted in 1966 when he began serving 18 months in prison for possession of ganja. He scored big with the single 54-46, inspired by his jail time. Now one of the best touring reggae acts, Toots won a Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2005.

Henry 'Junjo' Lawes

The hottest producer in Jamaica during the 1980s, 'Junjo' worked with artistes like Barrington Levy, Frankie Paul and Yellowman. In the latter stages of that decade, he served time in a Federal prison in the United States on drug-related charges.

He was murdered in a drive-by shooting in Harlesden, London in 1999 at the age of 39.

Jah Cure

In 1999, he was found guilty of rape, given a 15-year prison sentence and incarcerated at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Facility in Kingston. He made use of the recording studio there and released three well-received albums. Following his release in 2007, Jah Cure released hit songs like Anytime You Need a Lover and is in demand for shows.

(from Jamaica Observer)