Slim Smith

Slim Smith
Background information
Birth name	Keith Smith
Born	1948 (1948)
Origin	Kingston, Jamaica
Died	1972 (aged 23–24)
Genres	Rocksteady, Reggae, Ska
Years active	1960s-1970s

Slim Smith (born Keith Smith; 1948 in Kingston, Jamaica – 1972) was a ska, rocksteady and reggae singer. In their book Reggae: The Rough Guide (1997), Steve Barrow and Peter Dalton described Smith as "the greatest vocalist to emerge in the rocksteady era".^[1]

Smith first came to prominence as a member of the Victors Youth Band, who were highly praised at the 1964 Jamaican Festival.^[2] He subsequently became a founding member and lead vocalist of The Techniques, who recorded primarily with Duke Reid for his Treasure Isle label. In 1964 they recorded several songs for Byron Lee, two of which, "Don't Do It" and "No One", were included on the LP The Real Jamaica Ska released by Epic Records and co-produced by Curtis Mayfield.^[3] After the Techniques disbanded in 1965, he formed The Uniques, who released a handful of singles including the R&B influenced "Do Me Good" released on Ken Lack's Caltone records in 1966.^[4]

In 1966 Slim Smith commenced recording for Prince Buster and Coxsone Dodd's Studio One label, the main rival to Duke Reid. His Studio One recordings brilliantly highlight his passionate, soulful voice, which had an almost manic edge, and confirm him as one of Jamaica's greatest singers. His hits from this period include "The New Boss", "Hip Hug" and "Rougher Yet", many of which were later compiled for the album Born To Love. In 1967 he formed a new version of The Uniques, and commenced his association with producer Bunny Lee.In 1968, Slim Smith released the influential “My Conversation”, backed by “Beatitude” on the B side, which, as the title suggests, is Smith's lyrical take on the Biblical verses from Beatitudes. In 1976, “Beatitude” was versioned by Dr. Alimantado as a single entitled “Chant to Jah Jah”, and in 1978, Yabby You and The Prophets released a discomix of the tune, with Trinity toasting. The Uniques topped the Jamaican hit parade with "Let Me Go Girl", but after recording one album, Absolutely The Uniques, Smith left the group, staying with Bunny Lee to concentrate on a solo career.

He had a hit almost immediately with "Everybody Needs Love". An album of the same name quickly followed, as did many further hits. By 1972 personal problems led to him being detained at Bellevue sanatorium.^[5]

Smith died on the night of October 9, 1972. Unable to gain entry to his parents' house, he broke a window, badly lacerating his arm. He bled to death before he could receive treatment.^[6] His death stunned Jamaica. Still widely regarded as one of Jamaica's great vocalists, his enduring popularity has resulted in the reissue of the bulk of his work.

• Everybody Needs Love (1969, Pama)
• Just a Dream (1972, Pama/Trojan)
• Memorial (1973, Trojan)
• Early Days (1974, Striker Lee)
• Born To Love (1979, Studio One)
• Dancehall Connection (1986, Third World)
• Rain From The Skies (1992, Trojan)

There have also been numerous 'best of' compilations released.

• The Techniques
• The Uniques

• Slim Smith at Roots Archives Archived 26 May 2011 at the Wayback Machine