ERNIE SMITH . . . THE MAN AND HIS MUSIC

Ernie Smith's professional musical career began with his first recording in 1967 of the original composition I Can't Take It, later recorded by Johnny Nash as Tears On My Pillow. Hits followed in quick succession, including Bend Down, Ride On Sammy, One Dream, Pitta Patta and Duppy Gunman.

In 1972 at the World Popular Song Festival of the Yamaha Foundation in Tokyo, he won the Grand Prize with his original composition of "Life is Just for Living" , competing with songwriters like Neil Sedaka, and Michael Legrand.

Ernie became the first Jamaican musician to win an international award. For this historic achievement, he became the first musician in the field of Popular Music to be honoured by the Jamaican Government.

In 1976, Ernie was forced into exile in North America because of what was considered to be controversial political commentary in his song, The Power and the Glory. Ironically, the once-banned song is still relevant and even more popular at the present time. Today, twenty-eight years after its release, it is the 'battle song' for Jamaican talk shows and community activists.

In the first 3 of the 13 years in exile from his homeland, he thrilled audiences in Canada , where he resided, and he was a pioneer in bringing Reggae to the mainstream. Critics hailed his album To Behold Jah (1979) as "one of the most important albums to come out of Canada for [the] year [1979]".

Ernie has written well over 200 songs, several of which have been recorded by other artistes, including Johnny Nash, Rita Marley, Chakka Demus and Pliers, Twiggy, Ken Lazarus, John Jones, Eddie Lovett, Yellow Man.

Ernie played on many of the world stages including repeat performances at Madison Square Garden, New York (1973, 1974 and 1999); Place de Nacion, Montreal ; Camp Fortune, Ottawa ; Ontario Place, Alexandria Palace, Convocation Hall, Toronto ; The Martinez Ballroom, Cannes, Disney World, France; Rio , Brazil; Expo 93, Taejon, and Muju Resorts, Korea; Nippon Budokon Hall, Tokyo, Japan; Henry J. Bean Club, Brussels; San Marino, Milan, Rome, Italy ; venues in other European countries, including Holland , Switzerland, Germany; events on the East Coast of the USA and throughout middle-America including July Jam Festival, Lincoln, Nebraska; in Belize City, Central America; Georgetown, Guyana, South America and during other engagements in Caribbean countries, including Barbados, Trinidad, St Lucia, St. Vincent, St. Maarten, Cayman Islands and Jamaica .

As well as performing with Jamaica 's foremost bands, Ernie has the distinction of being Jamaica 's premier solo act, performing as far afield as Germany, Italy, South Korea, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, France, UK and the USA.

Artistes with whom Ernie has shared performance stages are:

AWARDS

1972
•  Winner of the World Popular Song Festival sponsored by the Yamaha Foundation

•  Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service in the Field of Popular Music, Government of Jamaica

1992
•  Award of Merit for the most inspirational entry, Jamaica Cultural Development Commission

1993
•  Award of Merit, Canadian Reggae Awards

•  Longevity Award, CHRY 105.5FM, Canada

•  Best Produced Album in Jamaica for the year 1997 – “After 30 Years Life Is Just For Living”, JAMI; Best produced song of the year “Didn't Know We Were Poor”

•  Show “30 Years…and Counting” deemed the best show ever produced in Jamaica.

2001
• Lifetime Legend Award, Heineken Star Time

• Independence Award, Prime Minister of Jamaica. Along with Shaggy and the Mighty Sparrow

2003
•  The prestigious Musgrave Bronze Medal, along with Chris Blackwell (gold) and Oliver Samuels (silver)

2004
• Living Legends Award along with Ken Lazarus, Keith Lyn, David Rudder, Byron Lee, Mighty Sparrow, Winston Blake (Merritone Music)

ERNIE SMITH MUSIC LIMITED
Sterling, Calderwood P.O., St. Ann
Contact: Janet Smith, Manager
Phone: 876.858.7347
e-mail: erniesmithmusic@hotmail.com

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