Through Roots Reggae
About Don Hartley
The Rootsman
of Gospel
Background and Roots
Born Hartley Donovan Delano Polson in East Kingston, Jamaica, the artist now known as Don Hartley chose his stage name as a sonic tribute to reggae icon Bob Marley. He grew up amid modest means, deep immersion in faith and reggae culture. These forces shaped a musical foundation rooted in biblical teaching, from early tracks like "Run Come Quick" calling listeners to Jah, to his latest "Word You Speak," which draws from Mark 7:20 to explore the power of our words.
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. His lyrics address the full spectrum of human experience—attraction and heartbreak, faithfulness and betrayal. Each song seeks to inspire reflection and demonstrate how all aspects of life can teach and reflect God's truth.
Spiritual Path and Early Teaching
Raised in Kingston, Don first followed the road of Rastafari praising the Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia as the returned Messiah. Later, through the teaching of Prophet Gad and the Twelve Tribes of Israel, many brothers and sisters learned to separate the person of Christ from the person of the Emperor. Don reached the same understanding through this guidance and through personal revelation.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.
Mission
Don's mission is best captured in the words of Emperor Haile Selassie I:"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 1966In this spirit, Don Hartley serves as the Rootsman of Gospel: to create reggae songs that proclaim the good news of the Gospel to the poor, heal the broken hearted and set the captives free, carrying a torch of wisdom that guides society toward its highest ideals.
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 emphasizes live roots reggae, gradually moving away from digital-only productions toward dynamic, authentic sound built on live drum and bass—echoing traditional reggae's foundation.
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.
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. All his work—musical and spiritual—reflects 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
