Artist description Jimmy Riley is a Jamaican reggae singer who has maintained a steady reputation with roots&culture songs, as well as his style of lovers rock. In 1980s Riley topped the reggae chart with his hit single "Love & Devotion" and his cover version of Gaye, Marvin 's 'Sexual Healing', also produced by Sly And Robbie.*** Jimmy Riley also has his own record label Love Promotion, which is active in producing such leading reggae artists as Anthony B, Sizzla, Luciano, Yami Bolo and Ambilique, to name a few. Love Promotion is distributed in the US by Musical Ambassador, New York.

Music Style Reggae

Musical Influences reggae music, R&B,

Similar Artists None

Artist History JIMMY RILEY - CLASSIC REGGAE ARTIST***For the past three decades, audiences around the world and in his native Jamaica have been delighted with the poetic writings and melodic sounds of reggae artist Jimmy Riley. Known for his strong and splendid tenor voice, fans regard Jimmy Riley as one of the veterans and ambassadors of classic reggae music. He has travelled extensively throughout the world performing in countries such as Brazil and Japan, where he performed on that country's first Reggae Sunsplash. In the USA Jimmy has sold out venues while touring the East and West coasts, and has received rave reviews.***EARLY YEARS***Born and raised in West Kingston, Jamaica, Riley attended Kingston Senior School where he met Keith "Slim" Smith,leader of the vocal group the Techniques. Riley had spent considerable time listening to the Techniques -- a group composed of Smith, Winston Riley, Franklyn White and fredrick waite . The Techniques sweet harmonies which received regular radio airplay, inspired Riley's interest in music.***TECHNIQUES***Riley began his recording career with Duke Reid at Treasure Isle. He provided harmonies in the Sensations, who enjoyed a number of successes including 'Everyday Is Just A Holiday' and 'Those Guys', both of which have been frequently covered by other artists. Following his departure from the group, Riley joined the Uniques with Slim Smith and Charmers. The success of the Techniques ended when the group broke up. "Slim" Smith spent a time recording as a solo artist, but decided to form a new group of male singers. ***UNIQUES*** Smith knew of Jimmy's singing talent and invited Riley to hook up with him and Lloyd Charmers. Together they formed the Uniques, a spin-off of the Techniques. The Uniques had a brief, but successful run, recording such hits as "Let Me Go Girl", "Watch This Sound", "The Beattitudes", "Build My World" and "My Convesation". Together the trio might have continued, but producer Bunny Lee persuaded "Slim" to resume his solo recording career. Consequently Jimmy and Lloyd became solo singers, pursuing their own careers. ***"My first solo recording" says Jimmy, "was 'Eat Where You Sleep Last Night', and it got the attention of a club owner in London. He sent for I to work in his club (Chagaramus) in London, England. Through his interest in reggae, I introduced him to my friend John Holt and John recorded for him the historic album '1000 Volts of Holt' . I was in the process of completing my first album through this link, when the distributor, Trojan Records, claimed bankruptcy and my album was not released.***"FIRST NO.1 HIT***After a brief stay in New York, where he was saddened by the news that "Slim" Smith had died in a tragic accident, he was persuaded by "ryddim kings" Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare to return to Jamaica and start recording on their Taxi label. This is where Jimmy Riley achieved his first No. 1 record "Love and Devotion" which is still a perennial classic. This was followed by other hit songs such as "Give Me Your Love", "I Try" "Everybody Needs Somebody", "Aint Too Proud To Beg" and others. Jimmy Riley also recorded the album "Ryddim Driven" for the Taxi label. After a brief US tour with the Wailers Band, Riley returned to Jamaica and made more hit singles such as "Hot Summer" and "Black Mothers Pray", which he released on his own label.*** MIAMI***In the late 80s Riley moved to Miami and opened a record store, but after two years away from recording, Jimmy returned to Jamaica. There, in addition to producing his own songs, Jimmy also undertook producer duties for several artists, some of which were also released on his label.***LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD***During the past few years Jimmy Riley has been commanding attention in different spheres of his music career. In 1996 Riley received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Bob Marley Reggae Festival in Los Angeles, California. He continues to perform in Jamaica and to tour such countries as Brazil, Bermuda, The Bahamas and USA, giving concerts in New York, Florida and California.***REGGAE ICON***In his native Jamaica he is regarded as a reggae icon, a beloved and respected symbol of reggae's roots origins, and the heights to which those roots have ascended. With his new album LOVE CANTICLES, Jimmy Riley shows that he is still on track.

Albums Albums: Love & Devotion; Rock On; Love Fa Real; Jimmy Riley Classic 20; Love Canticles

Press Reviews 20 Classic Hits (Sonic, 1993)***While I'd feee in saying that Jimmy Riley had 20 "hits" -- he did put out some popular material in the '60s as a member of both the Sensations (who sang the classic "Every Day Is Just a Holiday") and the Uniques. This album, though, focuses on his solo work from the '70s and '80s, including perhaps his best-known "hits," "Love & Devotion" and his cover of Curtis Mayfield's "My Woman's Love," both produced by Sly & Robbie. I prefer many of the other, lesser-known "hits" on this album, however, such as "Come Back Baby," "It's Too Hot," and "World for Everyone." These 3 songs represent the 3 styles between which Riley deftly maneuvers: "Come Back Baby" is bouncing-bass '80s dancehall, "It's Too Hot" is fun, Chalice-like '80s synth reggae (along with the equally solid "Magic" and "Ride On," which bears a resemblance to Isaac Hayes' funk classic "Do Your Thing"), and "World for Everyone" is more serious-toned, socially conscious roots, as is "Trigger Happy" and "Poor Immigrant." There's even some lovers rock in "My Woman's Love" and his cover of Hall & Oates' "Everytime You Go Away." Whatever the style, Riley manages to write catchy melodies, even on a poignant tune like "Trigger Happy." Some listeners might find some of his tunes a bit too catchy, too mainstream -- particularly on his remakes, like Sting's "Set Them Free" -- but, like Chalice, you can't help but enjoy such guilty pleasures, especially when counterbalanced with his more strict roots and dancehall.

Additional Info love canticle. jimmy riley classic 20.

Location Kingston, Jamaica - Jamaica

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