Don Hartley

Don Hartley makes roots reggae shaped by an evolving spiritual journey and a message for his generation. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, and based in Manchester, UK, he began the project in 1997 after finding a story to tell and a message to share. His vocal delivery draws comparisons to Gregory Isaacs, Glen Washington, Mortimer, Beres Hammond and Bob Marley. Hartley first came to prominence on the UK dub scene as frontman for Manchester project Nucleus Roots. His work moves through roots, dub and Gospel reggae, reflecting a return to his Christian roots after his early years in the Rastafari movement. Songs including “Spiritual War” and “Word You Speak” carry his focus on spiritual truth and faithfulness.