Onstage company
Documented collaborators
Stranger Cole, born Wilburn Theodore Cole in Kingston, Jamaica (June 26, 1942), is a towering figure in the evolution of Jamaican music. As one of the country’s first chart-scorers with Rough and Tough in the early 1960s, he helped bridge ska, rocksteady, and reggae with a voice that remains instantly recognizable to fans around the world. He’s also credited with Bangarang, a foundational track from the late 1960s that influenced countless artists during the rocksteady era. Cole’s career spans Jamaica, the United Kingdom, Canada, and beyond, where he performed, produced, and collaborated with other reggae innovators while building a life in Toronto as a Caribbean-Canadian artist and shop owner. Here, you’ll find a detailed biography, a snapshot of discography highlights, and up-to-date information on his touring plans and recent projects. Secure your seats and join us for performances that keep the classic Caribbean sound alive in new generations.