Jimmy Riley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jimmy Riley
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Riley pictured in 2010
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Martin James Norman Riley |
| Born | 22 May 1947 |
| Origin | Kingston, Jamaica |
| Died | 23 March 2016 (aged 68) New York City, United States |
| Genres | Ska, rocksteady, reggae |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, record producer |
| Years active | Mid-1960s–2016 |
| Associated acts | The Sensations, The Uniques, Skin, Flesh and Bones |
Jimmy Riley was a famous singer from Jamaica. His real name was Martin James Ziggy Norman Riley. He was born on May 22, 1947, and passed away on March 23, 2016. Jimmy Riley sang on his own, but he was also part of two well-known groups: The Sensations and The Uniques. He was also the father of another popular singer, Tarrus Riley.
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About Jimmy Riley's Life
Jimmy Riley was born in Jonestown, Kingston, Jamaica, on May 22, 1947. He grew up in the Waterhouse area of Kingston. He went to Kingston Senior School with another singer named Slim Smith.
Starting His Music Career
Slim Smith became successful with a group called The Techniques. Jimmy Riley wanted to join them. He would help them out by carrying things and singing harmonies. But he decided to start his own group instead.
In the mid-1960s, Jimmy formed a group called The Sensations. Other members included Cornell Campbell, Buster Riley, and Aaron "Dego" Davis. They had a successful tryout with producer Arthur "Duke" Reid. The Sensations had hits like "Everyday is Just a Holiday" and "Those Guys".
Joining The Uniques
In 1967, Jimmy left The Sensations. He then joined Slim Smith and Lloyd Charmers in a new version of The Uniques. This group became very popular. They had huge hits with songs such as "Watch This Sound" and "My Conversation".
Solo Artist and Producer
After The Uniques broke up, Jimmy Riley started singing on his own. He first recorded for Bunny Lee. Later, he began to record his own music independently. He also started producing songs for other artists, including Slim Smith and Delroy Wilson.
In the 1970s, Jimmy had several hit songs. These included "Tell The Youths The Truth", "Nyah Bingi", and "Clean up the Streets". He continued to be successful in the 1980s. During this time, he worked with Sly & Robbie's Taxi productions.
In the late 1980s, Jimmy Riley moved to Miami, USA. He took a break from his music career. But he returned to Jamaica in the early 1990s.
Working with His Son
Jimmy Riley's son, Tarrus, also became a musician. Tarrus's success helped boost Jimmy's own career. They often performed together. They even headlined big music festivals, like the Ocho Rios Seafood Festival in 2007.
In 2008, Jimmy Riley released an album called Sly and Robbie Presents Jimmy Riley: Pull Up Selector. He worked with Sly & Robbie again on this album. His son Tarrus sang on the title track, which was also released as a single.
In September 2013, Jimmy released another album called Contradiction. This album featured guest singers like his son Tarrus, Sizzla, and Fantan Mojah.
His Passing
Jimmy Riley passed away on March 23, 2016, in New York. He was 68 years old and had been battling cancer.
Jimmy Riley's Albums
Here are some of the albums Jimmy Riley released:
- Tell The Youths The Truth (1978), Trojan
- Majority Rule (1978), Burning Sounds
- The Jimmy Riley Showcase (1978), Burning Sounds/Yes/Makossa International
- Rydim Driven (1981), Taxi (also known as Love & Devotion)
- Put The People First (1982), Shanachie
- Magic (1984), Imp
- World for Everyone (1985)
- Love Fa Real (1995)
- Attention (1996), Abraham
- Rock On (1998), Charm
- Someone Like You (1998), Nyam Up
- Love Canticle (2000), Charm
- Jimmy Riley Now (2001), Jet Star
- Sly and Robbie Presents Jimmy Riley: Pull Up Selector (2009), Taxi
- Contradiction (2013) VP
- Compilations (collections of his songs)
- 20 Classic Hits (1993), Sonic Sounds
- Live It To Know It (2015), Self productions, Protest Songs & Dub Plates 1975 – 1985: Pressure Sounds
