The official web page of Gospel Rootsman Don Hartley, UK-based Roots Reggae artist and Orthodox Christian voice
About Don Hartley
Gospel Rootsman
of Reggae
Mission
“This age above all ages is a period in history when it should be our prime duty to preach the Gospel of Grace to all our fellow men and women. The love shown in Christ by our God to mankind should constrain all of us who are followers and disciples of Christ to do all in our power to see to it that the Message of Salvation is carried to those of our fellows for whom Christ Our Saviour was sacrificed but who have not had the benefit of hearing the good news.”
— Haile Selassie I, Berlin, 28 October 1966This sums up Don Hartley’s mission as the Gospel Rootsman: to sing roots reggae that proclaims the good news of the Gospel to the poor, heals the brokenhearted and sets the captives free, carrying the torch of wisdom that guides society toward its highest ideals.
Background and Roots
Born and raised in Rockfort, East Kingston, life’s struggles shaped Don's resilience and inspired his musical journey. Those early years taught him that songs are more than sound--they carry truth, strength, and hope, serving as a means to teach, encourage, and uplift others.Across more than three decades, Don’s catalogue has grown from early works with Manchester’s Nucleus Roots to more recent collaborations with MessenJah Music, I-niverse, and Elastica Dub.His songs combine live instrumentation, digital roots rhythms, and spiritually conscious lyrics that reflect his journey from Jamaica to the UK reggae scene and beyond. Each song is crafted to inspire reflection and encourage upright living. His lyrics address the full spectrum of human experience, including relationships: attraction and heartbreak, faithfulness and betrayal, showing that all aspects of life can teach and reflect God’s truth.
Spiritual Path and Early Teaching
Raised in Kingston, Don first walked the road of Rastafari praising Haile Selassie as the returned Messiah. Later, however, through the work of Prophet Gad and the Twelve Tribes of Israel, many brothers and sisters, including himself, were helped to differentiate the person of Christ from the person of the Emperor.Much of his witness now speaks to those who share that foundation, even as his journey found its home in the Orthodox Church that has helped him to clarify this reality of the person of Christ even more.Anointed in the Church as Reader Daniel, Don serves through chanting psalmody and hymnody, and by proclaiming the scriptures to the congregation. This calling shapes his witness both inside and outside the Church, uniting his spiritual path with his creative mission.
Collaborations and Musical Style
From 2001 to 2005, Don worked with Manchester’s Nucleus Roots, releasing tracks like Run Come Quick, Deep Roots, and Irie Meditation. These songs blended Biblical themes, Pan-African ideas, and lived experience within reggae’s rhythms. Later collaborations with Faya Dub, Mad & Dread, Roll & Record, MessenJah Music, Mikey Dub (California), and Elastica Dub (via Dubophonic Records, Cyprus) carried this mission forward.Today, Don’s music emphasizes the resilience of live roots reggae as he gradually moves away from solely digital productions, striving for dynamic, authentic sound built on live drum and bass, echoing the foundation of traditional reggae performance.
Live Performances
Don has performed in venues across the UK and Europe, including Band on the Wall in Manchester, Club Sauvage in Paris, Hootananny in Brixton, Manchester Carnival, and Preston Reggae Festival.From intimate gatherings to large festivals, Don's performances are more than concerts—they are spiritual experiences. Audiences have shared transformative moments, finding healing and inspiration through his music.Even love songs are part of the mix, exploring heartbreak and attraction, faithfulness and betrayal, exploring the challenges of relationships—showing that all aspects of life are embraced by God’s truth.
Community and Service
Alongside music, whether on stage as Don Hartley or in Church as Reader Daniel, Don's remit extends further to writing spiritual reflections in his blog Morning Echoes, where he shares lessons, encouragement, and guidance for upright living. His work overall remains one witness rooted in faith.
Looking Ahead
Don’s mission carries forward through roots reggae music as a herald of righteousness, proclaiming truth and light in joyful sonics. Walk with the Gospel Rootsman on his journey in roots and conscious reggae. Follow the journey here
