Slim Smith
b. Keith Smith, c.1948, Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies, d. 1973. Smith first came to prominence as a member of the Victors Youth Band, who were highly praised at the 1964 Jamaican Festival. He subsequently became a founding member and lead vocalist of the Techniques, who secured a recording contract with Duke Reid's Treasure Isle label. From 1964-65 they recorded several hits, including "I Am In Love" and "Little Did You Know'. After leaving the group in 1965, Smith visited Canada where he recorded his first solo album, Toronto "66, which almost instantly sank into obscurity. On his return to Jamaica, he 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 "I've Got Your Number", "Hip Hug" and "Rougher Yet", many of which were later compiled on the 1979 compilation Born To Love.
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Top Tracks
- I'll Never Let You Go
- Born To Love
- Bread Line Blues
- Ain't Too Proud To Beg
- The Time Has Come
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