Q with Tom Power Reggae legend Leroy Sibbles is a “have been, not a has been”
Feb 25, 2026
Leroy Sibbles, reggae singer, bassist and Studio One stalwart who helped build Toronto’s reggae scene, reflects on Trenchtown roots and The Heptones' rise. He recounts crafting iconic bass grooves, moving to Canada for love and shaping live reggae at the Bamboo Club. He also shares stories about studio life, his Juno win and collaborations that cemented his legacy.
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How The Heptones Began In Trenchtown
- Leroy Sibbles formed The Heptones after an earlier group with a female lead broke up in Trenchtown and he switched from backup to lead vocals.
- He wrote the Heptones' first songs for producer Cal Tone and celebrated hearing himself on Rediffusion radio across the ghetto.
Fatty Fatty Sparked The Heptones' Rise
- The Heptones' breakthrough came with Fatty Fatty, a deliberately sexy song that dominated jukeboxes despite being briefly banned from radio.
- Leroy wrote it spontaneously in a yard and the track became the most requested tune in the ghetto before release.
Studio One's Musical Professionalism Made Hits
- Studio One's strength came from trained musicians and arrangers who read and wrote music, many from the Alpha School of Music.
- That professional musical foundation let Leroy experiment with harmonies, arrangements, and richer chord progressions.