Very little seems to be known about this great single from the late rocksteady/early reggae era other than the artist name (Cliff & the Diamonds), the producer (Joe Abrahams), and song title (“Mother Benge”) – check out the hip musical non-sequitur that opens the song:

“Mother Benge”      Cliff & the Diamonds     1968

Subtle sweet moment at the 1:21 mark when guitarist, Lyn Taitt, swipes the strings in  inimitable fashion.

Released 1968 on Jamaican label, Hornet, this 45 would later command big prices decades later [$245 in 2011 and $126 in 2010].