Interview: Althea & Donna on ‘Uptown Top Ranking,’ Success, Royalties & Impact

With UK Gold certification and millions of new streams, the vocal duo opens up about the “blessing” of their timeless hit, the realities of the streaming era, why they’re “hopeful the business side may finally catch up,” and their heartfelt tribute to Jimmy Cliff.

Althea & Donna enjoy the enduring impact of "Uptown Top Ranking"

Jamaican reggae vocal duo Althea & Donna’s 1977 classic “Uptown Top Ranking” is still making waves nearly 50 years later.

The track, which recently earned Gold certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), signifying more than 400,000 sales and streaming units in the United Kingdom, continues to solidify its long-standing status as a cultural crossover staple.

"It touches our hearts deeply. We always remembered the song reaching Gold from vinyl sales back then, but seeing it officially recognized again after nearly 50 years feels like a blessing. It tells us the music is still alive, still loved, and still finding new souls to reach. It’s truly emotional to witness its legacy continue," shared Donna and Althea in an exclusive conversation with Kaboom Mag.

Originally released in 1977 with no major expectations, the single was built on the timeless “I’m Still in Love With You” riddim by legendary producer Joe Gibbs, itself rooted in the 1967 Alton Ellis classic. With their youthful twist and infectious delivery, the track carried a warm groove and effortless swagger that made it an instant dancefloor smash.

"Althea might have a sharper memory than I, but truly, we were just young girls at the time, and our lives, and the story of the song, have been an open book ever since," Donna, whose given name is Donna Reid, recalled.

With the surge of a new era and the rise of digital streaming, the song continues to thrive, accumulating over 111 million Spotify streams to date across all versions. "Royalties and publishing have had their ups and downs over the years, as is common in this industry. We’ve never been the ones controlling all the business behind the song, so at times the returns haven’t fully reflected the impact ‘Uptown Top Ranking’ has had worldwide," they said.

"It tells us the music is still alive, still loved, and still finding new souls to reach. It’s truly emotional to witness its legacy continue"

They added, "This new surge of streaming and renewed attention is wonderful to see, but financially it hasn’t brought any major changes for us so far. Still, the love people continue to show the song means more than anything, and we are hopeful that with today’s visibility, the business side may finally catch up to the legacy the music created."

Having come a long way since their teenage breakthrough, the duo now resides in New York, focused on personal growth, family, and embracing opportunities that honor the music and the journey they began as two young girls decades ago.

"Life has taken us through many chapters since ‘Uptown Top Ranking,’ and while we haven’t always been active in the music industry, creativity has never left our spirit. We continue to stay connected to music in our own way, whether performing occasionally, writing, or simply supporting the culture that shaped us. Each walked our own paths, but the legacy of the song continues to follow us and open doors."

Reflecting on the passing of the legendary Jimmy Cliff earlier this week, they shared that it "touched us deeply."

"His contribution to reggae is immeasurable; he carried the music onto the world stage with a power and dignity that inspired all of us who came after. Personally, his work showed us how far our Jamaican stories and struggles could travel, and how music can open hearts across every border. His legacy is one of courage, brilliance, and unwavering love for the culture. He will always be a guiding light in reggae. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends & the music industry. Sleep well, Jimmy," the singer expressed.

As Jamaica continues to recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Althea & Donna also offered a heartfelt message of solidarity to the people back home. "To everyone across Jamaica who has been affected, our hearts are with you. Our island has always shown incredible strength, and I know we will rise again. Hard times don’t last, but the Jamaican spirit does. Stay strong, hold each other up, and trust that better days are coming," they both echoed. "Together, we will rebuild—stronger, wiser, and with the same resilience that has carried us through every storm before."

"We’ve never been the ones controlling all the business behind the song. Financially, it hasn’t brought any major changes for us so far. nd we are hopeful that with today’s visibility, the business side may finally catch up to the legacy the music created."

Though long considered a one-hit wonder, the song’s global endurance remains undeniable. Nearly five decades later, “Uptown Top Ranking” continues to resonate across generations, proving that some records don’t just chart - they live forever.