Little Dennis

vrca 306Dennis “Little Dennis Skinner grew up in Whitfield Town, Kingston where he listened to sound systems such as Doc with Aston on the turntable, El Paso, Coxsone and Duke Reid. He migrated to Canada in 1972 bringing a few Rocksteady 45’s along with his only LP with him (The Stylistics First). He soon hooked up with Earl Pennycooke, Lambert Israel and Errol Forrester with whom he scoured the Yonge Street shops searching for records. He also traveled to Buffalo almost every Saturday digging down the stores there. On a trip to New York City he met Buzz who introduced him to El Cubanito’s Blue Moon and on later trips also met Spencer and Raphael. He also shopped at Paul’s Soul Heaven store and has continued to collect through the years. Dennis is a recipient of a 2013 VRCA Lifetime Achievement Award.

 

Favorite Artist:  Gladys Knight and Jerry Butler

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Favorite Genre:  Soul

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Favorite Record:  Betty Everett – People Around Me

Favorite Sound System: Coxsone Downbeat