ERNIE SMITH: After 30 Years: Life is Just for Living

Ernie Smith

After 30 Years: Life is Just for Living

© 1997 Ernie Smith Music (634479326684)

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If Neil Diamond sang Reggae, he would want to sound like Ernie Smith.

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notes

Ernie, who is respected as a composer, lyricist and singer has a deep, rich voice Ernie Smith that draws comparisons to Neil Diamond and Cat Stevens.

Jamaican born reggae musician Ernie Smith comes to you with a catalogue spanning 37 years, 12 Albums, countless live performances and a significant fan base. Ernie Smith's professional musical career began with his first recording in 1967, an 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"Ernie has written well over 200 songs, some of which have been recorded by other artistes, including Johnny Nash, Rita Marley, Chakka Demus and Pliers, Twiggy, Ken Lazarus, John Jones, Eddie Lovette, and Yellow Man among others.
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.

rnie Smith's professional musical career began with his first recording in
1967, an 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," and "Pitta Patta." Duppy Gunman"

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

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 his
controversial political commentary in the song, "The Power and the Glory". Ironically, the once-banned song is still relevant and even more popular. Today, twenty-six years after its release it is the battle song for all the 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 for 3 years, and 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]."

reviews

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  • Better than the Best
    author: Marion

    I will be waiting for my copy. I am fortunate to be his friend.

  • awesome!
    author: Jennifer Gifford

    this cd set is truly awesome. each song is so interesting and thought provoking and enjoyable. Ernie Smith is great. saw him live in Jamaica at the Montego Bay yacht club earlier this month. he was absolutely wonderful and so is this cd!!! he really is a "jamaican neil diamond" :)

  • writer/producer
    author: ainsley hanson

    the best. todays musician would never beleive this is where its coming from

  • Ernie Smith is like a vintage wine that grows sweeter year by year!
    author: Lydia aka Sister Sunshine

    This Collection was given to me by a mutual friend, Billy White, who played with Ernie in South Florida's "Migrant Workers" during the early 80's. Ernie became one of the biggest influences in the development of my music, although he never knew it. I listen to the music on this CD when I need to remember that the world really does have some pretty awesome people in it... the songs transport me back to sandy beaches and carefree summer days on Hollywood Beach.

  • I love this CD set!!
    author: Ann

    I grew up listening to Ernie Smith and knew at least half the songs word for word. What is amazing to me is that after all these many years, his lyrics are fresh, the topics are current, and the music is of great quality. This CD set is a "classic keeper"!

  • Great "listening" CD - JA equivalent to Neil Diamond/Frank Sinatra!
    author: Cheryl Hannah

    wonderful compilation of Ernie Smith's tracks; I particularly love "Ghetto Monday", "Footeprints on the Ceiling", "Stay Awhile With Me" and my absolute favorite: "Didn't Know We Were Poor". Great to listen to at work, in the car, at home. I was led to this CD by another Boardie on the "negril.com" Message Board, who'd heard "Stay Awhile With Me" on a Jamaican Internet Radio Station. It's on my MP3 player for my next visit to Negril!

  • Found It
    author: Rambo

    I bought this after hearing just one of his songs on a Jamaican Radio station. Songs are GREAT, This CD arrived in Perfect Condition, and I urge anyone who wants a "REGGAE" sound that is Different, buy this...........Neil Diamond in "DREADS"..........

  • A blast from the past !
    author: Kat

    Loved the CD... his voice is still rich and mellow. The only song that's missing is ... KEYCARD... in that case Iwould have rated the CD 5 stars !

  • Sweet Reminder of Jamaica
    author: Jane Grew

    heard the cd while on a bus tour to the black river while on holiday in jamaica and loved it instantly. i ordered the cd for my dad for fathers day and was a little apprehensive that it would not sound the same in england. however it was just as great and i am now waiting to order a copy for myself. dad loved his too.

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