Barrington Levy Information

One of the great success stories of the 80s, arrived on the dancehall scene and swiftly remodeled it in his own image. Although numerous DJs and vocalist would rise and fall during this decade, Levy was one of the few with staying power, and he continued releasing massive hits well into the 90s. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, as a youngster, Barrington Levy formed the Mighty Multitude with his cousin Everton Dacres. They started off playing the sound systems and cut their first single, My Black Girl, in 1977. All of 14, Levy broke out his own the next year and recorded his debut solo single, A Long Time Since We Dont Have No Love. It didnt have much of an impact, however the teens appearances in the dancehalls were eagerly awaited events. It was at one of these that Levy met former singer turned producer Junjo Lawes and Mew York-based producer Hyman Jah Life Wright. The pair took the youth into King Tubbys studio, accompanied by the Roots Radics, and recorded a clutch of cuts. The first fruits of this union were Ah Yah We Deh, quickly followed by Looking My Love, and Wedding Ring Aside. Success was immediate, but it was the mighty Collie Weed that really cemented the teens hold of dancehall. Shine Eye Girl, was a smash follow up, and the young Levy was now in great demand. A stream of singles followed Jumpy Girl, a lovely version of Horace Andys Skylarking, Reggae Music, Levy joined forces with producer Alvin Ranglin for another sting of hitsNever Tear My Love Apart, Jah, You Made Me So Happy, and When Youre Young and in Love.Levys rich vocals were made for duets, both with other vocalists and DJs , and it wasnt long before the young star was also recording collaborative singles. Toyan was a great foil on Call You on the Phone, he paired with Jah Thomas on Moonlight Lover and Sister Debby, and joined forces with Trinity for Lose Respect and a follow-up, I Need a Girl in 1980. That same year, Levy made a sensational appearance at Reggae Sunsplash, then returned in 1981. During these early years, the singer ...