Junior Murvin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Junior Murvin
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Murvin Junior Smith |
| Born | c. 1946 Saint James, Jamaica |
| Died | (aged 67) Port Antonio, Jamaica |
| Genres | Reggae |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Years active | 1965–2013 |
Junior Murvin (born Murvin Junior Smith, around 1946 – 2 December 2013) was a famous reggae musician from Jamaica. He is best known for his hit song "Police and Thieves". This song was made with the help of a well-known record producer named Lee "Scratch" Perry in 1976.
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Early Life and Musical Start
Junior Murvin was born in Saint James Parish, Jamaica, likely in 1946. After his father passed away, his family moved to Port Antonio. From a young age, he loved to sing. He was especially inspired by the American singer Curtis Mayfield.
When his family moved to Montego Bay, he started performing for audiences. He also studied mechanics at Montego Bay Technical High School. Later, he moved to Trenchtown in Kingston. There, he tried out for famous music producers like Lee Perry and Coxsone Dodd.
Music Career Highlights
Early Recordings
Junior Murvin first recorded music using the name Junior Soul. He worked with Sonia Pottinger's Gayfeet record label. Later, he regularly recorded for the Crystal label, owned by Derrick Harriott. In 1972, he had a small hit song called "Solomon".
He also performed as a singer in different bands. These included the Hippy Boys, the Mighty Falcons, and the Tornadoes. They played in nightclubs and hotels in Kingston.
The Hit Song "Police and Thieves"
In 1976, Junior Murvin tried out for Lee Perry again. This time, he sang his own song, "Police and Thieves". Perry liked it and decided to record it. The song became a huge hit around the world, especially in Jamaica and Britain.
The song was written about the tough times and problems with police in Jamaica. It also became linked to the riots at the Notting Hill Carnival in London that same year.
Working with Lee Perry and The Clash
Junior Murvin and Lee Perry wrote more songs together. They also made an album called Police and Thieves. It was released in 1977 by Island Records. Many people think it's one of Perry's best productions.
The British punk rock band The Clash heard the song "Police and Thieves". They liked it so much that they made their own version. Their version appeared on their first album in 1977.
Murvin kept recording songs with Perry. He also recorded with other producers like Joe Gibbs and Alvin Ranglin. In 1980, "Police and Thieves" became a top 25 hit in the UK. This happened after it was used in the movie Rockers.
Later Career and Albums
Junior Murvin continued to make music throughout the 1980s. While his later songs weren't as big hits, he still sang with top Jamaican bands like Jah Postles. He also toured a lot in Europe.
He worked with many different producers and musicians. Some of these included Joe Gibbs, Errol Thompson, and Mikey Dread. With Mikey Dread, he recorded the album Bad Man Posse in 1982. Other popular songs he made were "Miss Kushie", "Cool Out Son", and "Muggers in the Street".
His last album, Signs and Wonders, came out in 1989. He continued to release single songs in Jamaica. His very last recording was a song called "Wise Man" in 1998.
Later Life and Passing
Junior Murvin passed away on December 2, 2013, in a hospital in Port Antonio. He was either 67 or 64 years old. He had been dealing with health issues like diabetes and hypertension.
Discography
Albums
- Police and Thieves (1977), Island
- Tedious (1978), Mango
- Bad Man Posse (1982), Dread at the Controls
- Muggers in the Street (1984), Greensleeves
- Apartheid (1986), Jammy's
- Signs and Wonders (1989), Live & Love
- World Cry (1995), Sunvibes
- Inna de Yard (2007), Makasound
See also
- List of reggae musicians
- List of roots reggae artists
- Caribbean music in the United Kingdom
- Island Records discography
