Jazz’s “Satchmo” And Reggae’s “Stepping Razor”: What Do Louis Armstrong And Peter Tosh Have In Common? Part #2

By Ras Kefim Photos: Reggaeville\Facebook\YouTube Screenshots The following article, part#2 of a series, by New York-based author and businessman Ras Kefim examines the similarities between Jazz giant Louis Armstrong and Reggae great Peter Tosh. Read part#1 here. Ras Kefim is the author of the book Deception In the Name Of the Lord. Read more about Deception In the Name Of the Lord in this Black Star News article. Both of these musical giants, Louie Armstrong and Peter Tosh, had unfortunate experiences of going to jail for similar reasons, smoking marijuana. But the way they were treated, after going to jail, resulted in vastly different outcomes. While in jail, Armstrong and his buddies were having a good time talking and laughing about the arrest–until the judge changed their demeanor with a six month sentence and a thousand dollar fine, which was later canceled. In Peter Tosh’s case, after going to jail, he experienced brutality so severe he tried to escape, but was manhandled and restrained. The merciless assault by the Jamaican Police caused Peter to think they were trying to kill him. It was then he decided to play possum. Tosh pretended to be dead. The “lawmen” thought they had accomplished...