MIKEY SPICE
With a rich baritone reminiscent of Jack Radics, Richie Stephens, and the legendary Brook Benton, Mikey Spice began his recording career in the early 1990s under the guidance of Ocho Rios-based producer Courtney Cole. Early singles like Acting Like Strangers and You Caught Me, along with later releases on Big Ship, Juggling Records, and Black Scorpio, failed to gain notable attention. Spice’s international breakthrough arrived in 1995 with his superb reggae rendition of Barry White’s Practice What You Preach. Recorded at Grove Music Studios in Ocho Rios and produced by Barry O’Hare, the track was first released in Jamaica on O’Hare’s X-Rated Record Intl and then featured on Spice’s debut album Happiness. The song resonated strongly in the UK, climbing the reggae charts and establishing his global presence. His ability to breathe new life into classic love ballads was reaffirmed with his cover of Teddy Pendergrass’ Close The Door. Produced by Roy Francis and released on the Mixing Lab label, it became the title track of his sophomore album, which was issued in the UK by Jet Star’s Charm imprint in 1996.