Reggae Fans & Historians: Who was 'John Brown?'

[StoneMtn]

The name "John Brown" comes up in reggae songs all the time, and refers to various corrupt/evil people in authority. The obvious example is in "I Shot the Sheriff", but there are innumerable others. There is even a reggae band called John Brown's Body.

I've heard several stories of who the real "John Brown" was. I won't repeat them here, because I want to know if anyone here knows. I'm pretty convinced that he actually existed, but I want to know if anyone here really knows:

Who was the real John Brown; the villain of reggae fame?

[carstairs]

Here's a Link. Not sure if it is the same one but his anti-slavery efforts are referenced in a number of reggae tunes.

Edited May 13, 2006 by Guest