The Lyons Den: A Deep Reggae Roots Journey with George Lyons on 91.5 KUNV Las Vegas

February 16, 2026·3 hr 52 min·21 clips

Discover how Jimmy Cliff's 'The Harder They Come' put reggae on the map for global audiences.

This episode is a four-hour radio show dedicated to reggae and roots music, hosted by DJ George Lyons from KUNV in Las Vegas. The host programs the music spontaneously, following a "dubby reggae island Jamaican African" vibe he felt upon entering the studio. He frames the extended reggae set as a tribute to fellow DJs Mike Kelly and Ross Kell, who host similar programs. The show opens with Augustus Pablo's "Rockers" and the track "Sukiyaki." It features Buju Banton's "Do Good" from the *Before the Dawn* release and two versions of "Bongo Red" by The Gladiators. Alton Ellis's extended mix of "Can't Stand It" and The Itals' "Calling Rastafari" are also played in the first hour. A set of Bob Marley and the Wailers includes "So Much Trouble," "Another Dance," and the 12-inch mix of "Where Will I Find." Jimmy Cliff is represented by three tracks from *The Harder They Come* soundtrack: "The Harder They Come," "Sitting in Limbo," and "Many Rivers to Cross." The host notes Jerry Garcia's fondness for performing the first two songs. Later, the playlist includes Roland Alfonso's "From Russia With Love," Barrington Levy's "You've Made Me So Very Happy," and Peter Tosh's "Magadog." The set also features Delroy Wilson's "Run Run," Toots and the Maytals' "My Destination," and The Melodians' "Rivers of Babylon." A segment highlights the rhythm section Sly & Robbie with "Destination Unknown" and a Beats Antique remix of Bob Marley's "Satisfy My Soul." The show concludes with Ziggy and Stephen Marley's "Africa Land" before transitioning to a live concert. The host shares that *The Harder They Come* soundtrack, released in 1972-1973, significantly influenced mainstream attention towards reggae music. He reveals a personal concert memory, having seen Prince on both the 1999 tour and the subsequent Purple Rain tour. He recounts that the Purple Rain tour at the Long Beach Arena used a quadraphonic sound system and was a uniquely spectacular production in his experience. The host cites Miles Davis calling Prince "the greatest artist of the modern time," emphasizing the weight of that compliment. He promises the upcoming live Prince recording will showcase guitar solos reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix. The featured concert is Prince live at the Omni in Atlanta on January 4, 1985, during the Purple Rain tour. The tone is enthusiastic, conversational, and deeply reverent towards the music's history and cultural impact. The style is that of a freeform radio DJ, blending music curation with personal anecdotes and dedications to fellow broadcasters. Reggae enthusiasts and fans of classic roots, dub, and ska would love this episode for its curated deep cuts and historical context. Listeners seeking talk-based interviews, current music, or genres outside of reggae and classic funk/rock might choose to skip it.

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