John Brown’s Body's Kings And Queens has debuted at #1 on the Billboard and iTunes Reggae charts. Kings And Queens (released April 16, 2013 on Easy Star Records) is the band’s eighth studio album and most ambitious release to date, encompassing the entire history of the band’s sound and legacy. The album debuted impressively on other Billboard charts including #23 on the Heatseekers Chart, #4 on Northeast New Artist Chart, and #188 on the Top 200 Digital albums, amongst others. The album mirrors the success of 2008’s album Amplify, which also debuted at #1 on the Billboard Reggae Charts, outselling that album’s first week.
“It’s great to see the positive reaction of JBB fans worldwide to their new album. Since 2004, we’ve seen the band grow and evolve in such unique ways, but maintain a sound that still has broad appeal outside of just a reggae audience. Its dedication from fans new and old that helped them reach #1,” says Easy Star CEO Eric Smith.
The band is currently on tour showcasing songs from the new album and back catalog. Press accolades for King And Queens have been pouring in from a diversity of media outlets.
“Now this was worth waiting five years for…John Brown’s Body’s new Kings And Queens is the band’s best album to date, hands down…The music is a sweet homegrown hybrid of classic reggae spirit and inventive sonic explorations. John Brown’s Body comes across as confident and strong; this is the sound of a group of reggae masters in a very good place.” – Jambands.com
“With “Kings and Queens,” John Brown’s Body delivered once again, demonstrating the diversity that is “American Reggae” and pushing musical boundaries in ways very few bands are capable. The progressive and refreshing mix of sounds has “Kings and Queens” poised to top the reggae charts, making the album one of reggae’s best in 2013.” – The Pier
"What a glorious record. Beautiful, heartening, and well deserved for this hard working band. It's great to see reggae gain footing, and it's great to see the revolutionists continue to burn walls and build bridges…I could talk about this record forever. Just go get it." – Angelica Music
“Kings And Queens picked up right where Amplify left off, and thats leaving a legacy that has inspired and carved a path for the now thriving contemporary American reggae scene…JBB is the King!” – Rudeboy Reggae
"Go back to Kings and Queens for a second or even third listen and you’ll discover the poetry JBB delivers with rhythmic aplomb…" – Pop-Break
“Their new album Kings and Queens is fit for royalty.” –That Music Mag
“Kings And Queens is incredibly catchy and the musicianship is top notch.” – Pop Stereo Reviews
“[John Brown's Body] peaks high, higher than the others by a long shot." – The Grateful Web
“John Brown’s Body Puts Out Their Best Studio Album.” – New York Music Daily
“Future roots, reggae, and dub with intricately balanced weaving of vocals, percussion, keyboard, bass, guitar, and stunning 3-piece horn section that ties it all together.” – WRUV
Tour Dates:
4/26 Water Street Music Hall | Rochester, NY – BIG UPstate Reggae Festival
4/27 Paradise Rock Club | Boston, MA
5/17 The Jewish Mother | Virginia Beach, VA
5/18 Electric Factory | Philadelphia, PA -with SOJA
5/23 Tralf Music Hall | Buffalo, NY
5/24 The Rex Theater | Pittsburgh, PA
5/25 Dark Star Jubilee Festival | Thornville, OH
5/26 Summer Camp Music Festival | Chillicothe, IL
6/23 Onondaga Lake | Liverpool, NY –with Rusted Root
7/12 & 13 The Beachcomber | Wellfleet, MA
7/19 Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival | Trumansburg, NY
8/01 Horning’s Hideout | North Plains, OR
