In the heart of Birmingham, England, on February 15, 1959, a musical legend was born – Ali Campbell. Known for his soulful voice and unwavering passion for social justice, Ali Campbell’s journey in the world of music has left an indelible mark on the reggae genre.
The son of renowned folk singer Ian Campbell and brother to his former UB40 bandmates, Robin and Duncan Campbell, Ali’s life story is one of resilience, musical innovation, and a commitment to speaking out against racism and poverty. From the formation of the iconic UB40 to his solo career and the formation of “UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro,” his musical odyssey has been nothing short of remarkable.
This article delves into the life and career of one of the most successful reggae singers of all time, Ali Campbell, and explores the impact of his powerful voice and social advocacy.
Net Worth of Ali Campbell in 2023
Celebrity Net Worth says that the singer-songwriter and guitarist Ali Campbell is worth $2 million. At one point, his net worth was significantly higher. Unfortunately, Ali Campbell filed for bankruptcy in 2011 despite selling over 120 million albums globally. The primary role of Ali Campbell is that of lead singer for the British reggae group UB40.
He scored hits with the band, including “Red Red Wine,” “King / Food for Thought,” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” He sold more than 70 million records with the group worldwide. In addition, Campbell enjoyed success in her solo endeavours. She was a judge on the reality TV competition program “New Zealand’s Got Talent” for one season.
Ali Campbell Career Highlights
Creation of UB40
In addition to performing some of their songs, Campbell, drummer Jimmy Brown, and bassist Earl Falconer began playing popular reggae tunes in 1978. Robin, Campbell’s brother, and four other friends soon joined them. The eight members formed the band UB40, which took its moniker from a British term for jobless claimants.
In the summer of 1980, the band released “Signing Off,” their debut album, after a few lineup changes. The album became an immediate hit in the UK, peaking at number two on the list. It also marked the release of the famous tune “King / Food for Thought.” After that, UB40’s success in the UK persisted.
A little while later, the trio released an album of cover songs called “Labour of Love,” which helped propel them to success in the US. “Red Red Wine,” which peaked at number one in the US in 1988 and number one in the UK in 1983, was the album’s biggest hit song.
UB40 steadily put out albums in the 1980s; among the titles were “Geffery Morgan,” “Rat in the Kitchen” and “Labour of Love II.” “Promises and Lies,” the band’s 1993 album, had a famous rendition of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” The same year, the song had a significant role in the sensual thriller “Sliver”. “Guns in the Ghetto,” “Labour of Love III,” “Cover Up,” and “Who You Fighting For?” were among UB40’s later albums.
Campbell departed the band in 2008 due to a conflict with management. He got back together with bandmates Astro and Mickey Virtue six years later to make the album “Silhouette.” Before Mickey quit the group in 2018, the group continued to release several more albums under the name UB40 with Ali, Astro, and Mickey. Astro went away a few years later. Before his passing, Astro worked on the album “Unprecedented,” released in 2022.
Solo Career
In 1995, Campbell made his solo debut with “Big Love,” his debut album. With the track “That Look in Your Eye” off the album, he scored a top-five smash in the UK. It took until 2007 for Campbell to release his second solo album, “Running Free,” but it was also a big smash in the UK. “Flying High” in 2009 and “Great British Songs” in 2010 were his subsequent two releases. In the UK albums chart, both of those albums debuted in the top 15.
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New Zealand’s Got Talent
In 2012, Campbell was one of the three panellists on the reality TV competition program “New Zealand’s Got Talent.” The nation’s indigenous Maori and Pacific Island cultures have liked his reggae style. Campbell was seated next to Jason Kerrison and Rachel Hunter during the show. In the third season, American choreographer Cris Judd eventually took his place.
Accolades and Honors
Campbell received the Ivor Novello Award for International Achievement while he was a member of UB40. Along with the group, he was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2005 for Best Reggae Album, “Who You Fighting For?”
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