Joe Yamanaka, born in Yokohama, was of mixed descent. His father was a US Army soldier who hailed from the Caribbean. He played Psychedelic Rock with the Flower Travellin’ Band. He was also a philanthropist, travelling around the world to help people in countries where conditions aren’t great. He himself was raised in harsh conditions as well, being born in a brothel and growing up in an orphanage. In post-war Japan, it was not easy for him to grow up looking racially different from his peers.

Joe Yamanaka joined The Wailers after Bob Marley had passed away and recorded with them ‘Reggae Vibration’.

The very first track is also called ‘Reggae Vibration’ and can be seen as his introduction to the genre, being a Rock artist in his home country. You will still hear a strong Rock influence in his songs.