Born to a musical family - his father George played the guitar, mother, Linnette sang, sisters Tezzie, Kay, Jean sing like larks and brothers are instrumentalists - Paul, Bass, Peter, Sax, Patrick, Keyboards. Ernie has also passed his love for arts to his children, Ojay sings and play drums, Sahara has excelled in Song and Dance. Taasha chose the Navy and Seychelle is in college preparing for a medical career.

His professional musical career began in 1965, when he formed his first band, the Vandals, from among his brothers, sisters and friends. His first recording in 1967 was an original composition, I Can't Take It. This was later recorded by Johnny Nash as Tears On My Pillow. Four fantastic hits followed, Bend Down, Ride On Sammy, One Dream, and Pitta Patta. In 1972, at the 3rd World Popular Song Festival, of the Yamaha Foundation For Popular Music, in Tokyo, he won the lion share of the Grand Prize, ahead of legends like Neil Sedaka, for his presentation of his original composition, Life Is Just For Living. As a result, he became the first Jamaican musician in the field of popular music to receive a national honour from his Government. The award of the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service, together with his creativity, music and energy boosted his popularity and fame both at home and abroad.

Performances

Through the well known booking agent Ronnie Nasralla, Ernie played Madison Square Garden in 1973, (the Main room) and 1974 (The Felt Forum). Engagements in Brazil, other Caribbean territories, the Mid-West, Eastern and Western coasts of the USA, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Holland followed the next few years. Migration to North America in 1976 was a necessary decision in the aftermath of his controversial hit, "As We Fight One Another For the Power and the Glory, The Kingdom Goes to Waste''. By 1979, Ernie was a well established exponent of reggae music in Canada, and toured extensively throughout that country. During his Canadian period, and later when he moved to Florida, he received universal acclaim for his performances. To quote just four reviewers: "If Cat Stevens sang reggae, he might choose to sing like Ernie Smith". - Wilder Penfield III, The Toronto Sun. "To Behold Jah is simply one of the most important albums to come out of Toronto... - Peter Goddard, Toronto Star. "Jamaican musician Ernie Smith is excellent...What's most remarkable about Ernie, aside from his geniality - and his beguiling way with an electric guitar and... husky, warm voice - is his infinite repertoire of songs..." - Sam Hirsch, The Miami Beach Sun Reporter.". Enter Ernie Smith. The superstar of the early seventies...for 40 minutes gave a crisp display of stagecraft and entertaining..." - Howard McGowan, (1996).

Ernie returned home to Jamaica in 1989, after a 13 year exile. He was instantly, back in demand on the hotel circuit, as well as corporate and private functions, gala events, major stage shows and has more than once performed on Reggae Sunsplash. Internation-ally his recent tours include, Belgium, London, the Caribbean, Canada and as far afield as South Korea, where he once again scored a first, bringing Live Reggae to Seoul and Muju. Ernie has a love affair with music. He is a gifted songwriter and loves to sing, and delivers a warm, polished show every time.

Music, Ernie feels, is the one thing that unties all cultures. The need for unity among all people has been a recurrent theme in many of his lyrics, and reflects a personal optimistic vision for the future:

...We shall all unite
For God, for Truth, for Right...
And every human with a heart will finally know
That we all must play a part, but not apart...
- excerpt from "Tribute to Mandela" on CD/Lp Dance Hall: Ernie Cleans It Up! - (c) Ernie Smith (1994)

...Let the children play
No child should ever be so hungry now
Let the children pray
No child should ever be so angry now
Let the children stay
No child should ever be so lonely`
For the love of God
Love can find a way
Let it be today
- excerpt from "Let The Children Play" on CD`After 30 years - Life is Just For Living - (c) Ernie Smith (1997).

Over the years, Ernie has maintained that there will be a fusion of reggae with diverse musical styles. He has been proven right. His "Rebel Music" (1974) included in this compilation is nothing short of prophetic.

With Ernie Smith time has no boundary, and today, is as vibrant and fresh as ever and ready to move on through any challenge his musical journey may encounter. This compilation is Ernie's offer to you, to enjoy, while discovering or re-discovering a different side of Jamaican musicality and versatility.

SELECTIVE DISCOGRAPHY :

ALBUMS by Federal Records & Jah Music :

• Ernie Smith's Greatest Hits
• Pitta Patta
• For the Good Times
• Ernie . . . Smith that is!
• I'll Sing for Jesus
• Pure Gold Rock n' Roll/Rock Steady
• To Behold Jah
• Ska Reggae

  ALBUMS By Ernie Smith Music, Ltd. :

• On the Road
• Dance Hall: Ernie Cleans It Up!
• Folk Songs of Jamaica
• Step Up
• After 30 Years Life is Just for Living (2 CD's)
  
  
  
  

  Please find below a free sample track that you may download from the 'Ernie Smith - After 30 Years Life is Just for Living' album. The free sample is provided for your listening pleasure only and must not be reproduced and/or distributed and sold in any format or media. The song is copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws. Click on album sleeve to download MP3 file "Ernie Smith - Pitta Patta"