About Lincoln Thompson
Lived 1949 – 1999 (aged 49). Lincoln Thompson was a Jamaican singer and composer.
Prince Lincoln Thompson, known as Sax (10 July 1949 in Jonestown, Kingston, Jamaica – 14 January 1999 in London, England), In 1971 he was taken on by Coxsone Dodd, and recorded three songs with him at Studio One called "Daughters of Zion", "True Experience" and "Live Up to Your Name". and "Love the Way It Should Be".
In 2010, the song, "Humanity (Love the Way It Should Be)" was covered by the American singer John Legend backed by the Philadelphia band, The Roots, and was featured on Legend's album, Wake Up!.
Prince Lincoln received a record deal in 1978, he was signed up by Mo Claridge, who at the time ran Ballistics Records, a London offshoot of United Artists, and who noticed his "eerie falsetto". A single "Unconventional People" was released as a 12-inch single in March 1979 with the Humanity album following in May. In mid 1979, the Royal Rasses recorded a second Prince Lincoln album, Experience, this time without Cedric Myton. This album contained more than just the traditional drum and bass sound of most reggae. The band renamed themselves the Rasses to avoid confusion with fellow reggae band The Royals to record a further album called Natural Wild in 1980. This time the music was recorded in London. Prince Lincoln's decision to invite English rock musician Joe Jackson was controversial, and the album was a commercial flop.
Thompson returned to Jamaica and re-set up the successful God Sent label, with the help of German company Juicy Peeple to produce his fourth album, Ride with the Rasses in 1982. This music was recorded at Tuff Gong and Channel One studios. Around this time he and his family moved to Tottenham, London, England, where he opened an Ital shop called The Rasses Fish Mart and Grocery Store. In September 1983, he recorded Rootsman Blues in Addis Ababa Studio in London. It was released by Target Records with only three musicians per track, giving the music the intimate quality of chamber music.
He released a final album, 21st Century in 1997 after someone from the United States heard the music in Prince Lincoln's shop, and agreed to become a sponsor. This final album was also recorded in London.
Thompson died in January 1999, in London, at the age of 49.
Discography Singles "Daughters of Zion" (1971) "True Experience" (1971) "Live Up to Your Name" (1971)
Albums Humanity 1979 Experience 1979 (The lyrics from "Walk in Jah light" and "Thanksgiving" have been used to explain the doctrine of physical immortality at Rastafari movement). Harder na Rass 1979 Natural Wild 1980 Ride with the Rasses 1982 Rootsman Blues 1983 (also titled Unite The World) 21st Century 1997
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Important facts
People in Lincoln Thompson's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Lincoln Thompson's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Lincoln Thompson?
Jamaican musician (1949–1999)
When was Lincoln Thompson born?
Lincoln Thompson was born on 10 July 1949 in Kingston.
When did Lincoln Thompson die?
Lincoln Thompson died on 14 January 1999 in London.
What was Lincoln Thompson's occupation?
Lincoln Thompson was a singer and composer.
What nationality was Lincoln Thompson?
Lincoln Thompson was Jamaican.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Lincoln Thompson. https://biography.guide/lincoln-thompson/
MLA: "Lincoln Thompson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/lincoln-thompson/.
Chicago: "Lincoln Thompson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/lincoln-thompson/.
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