LEROY SMART
Leroy Smart, a dynamic singer-songwriter and record producer from Kingston, Jamaica, faced early hardship after being orphaned at just two years old. He grew up at Maxfield Park Children’s Home and received his musical education at the esteemed Alpha Boys School, where he honed his skills in singing, drumming, and dancing. His recording career began in 1969 with the single It Pains Me, produced by the little-known Mr. Caribbean. The following year, he recorded the song Ethiopia for Joe Gibbs and debuted the original version of Pride & Ambition, one of his signature tracks, with producer Gussie Clarke. In 1972, Smart recorded God Helps The Man for Bunny “Striker” Lee, but his major breakthrough came in 1973 with Mother Liza, produced by Jimmy Radway. In 1975, Smart collaborated with reggae deejay Big Youth, who produced his rendition of Al Green’s Love And Happiness. Boasting over 35 albums, Leroy Smart is celebrated not only for his prolific output but also for his personality, earning a reputation as one of Jamaica’s most outrageous and colorful characters.