Ali Campbell

by Chris True A household name in modern pop-reggae circles, Ali Campbell (born Alistair Campbell on February 15, 1959, in Birmingham, England) was known -- mostly -- as the lead vocalist and guitar player for U.K. reggae act UB40. That band, which Campbell formed with the seven other members in the late '70s, was a U.K. pop chart stalwart, eventually cracking the U.S. market with their stylistic covers of popular favorites such as "Red Red Wine" and "(I Can't Help) Falling in Love with You." Besides being the frontman, it was Campbell's "good fortune" of getting in a "compensatory" bar fight that would lead to UB40 finally acquiring their (much-needed) instruments. Their first gig took place in early 1979, and -- after being spotted by Chrissie Hynde -- things just began to snowball, at least in the United Kingdom. America was not broached until 1983 with the covers record Labour of Love, which includes the aforementioned hit single "Red Red Wine," and in 1993 with second covers record Labour of Love II, which contains the famous Elvis Presley ballad. The band, which has never changed membership from the original eight members, plans to release 24/7 in March 2008. Campbell, as a solo artist, released two full-length offerings: 1995's Big Love and 2007's Running Free.