James "Jamesie" Brewster, (1929 - 2014), of the United States Virgin Islands remains one of the most recognized names associated with quelbe music, also known as scratch music. It's an "indigenous, grass-roots form of folk music which originated in the US Virgin Islands", says documentary filmmaker, Andrea Leland. "It's a form of oral history, its lyrics are used to immortalize significant historical events, and relay the day to day trials and tribulations on a small island."
Discover the incredible life and musical legacy of James "Jamesie" Brewster. Dive into his influential contributions to quelbe music, learn about its history, instruments, and performances that helped shaped this musical genre.
Performance | St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands | Koko and the Sunshine Band and Jamesie Performance 2
Performance | U.S. Virgin Islands | Koko and the Sunshine Band and Jamesie 3
Interview | St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands | Interview with Jamesie and Blinky - Camera 1, Part 1
Interview | St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands | Interview with Jamesie and Blinky - Camera 1, Part 2
Interview | St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands | Interview with Jamesie and Blinky - Camera 1, Part 2 (Cont.)
Interview | St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands | Interview with Jamesie and Blinky - Camera 1, Part 3
Interview | St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands | Interview with Jamesie and Blinky - Camera 2, Part 1
Interview | St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands | Interview with Jamesie and Blinky - Camera 2, Part 2
Interview | St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands | Interview with Jamesie and Blinky - Camera 2, Part 4
Interview | St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands | Interview with Jamesie and Blinky - Camera 2, Part 3
Agricultural Festival | St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands | Jamesie & the All-Stars Performance - Camera 1, Part 1
Agricultural Festival | St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands | Jamesie & the All-Stars Performance - Camera 1, Part 2
