Vivian Jones (singer) facts for kids

Vivian Jones (born in 1957, passed away on October 27, 2025) was a talented reggae singer. He was born in Trelawny Parish, Jamaica, and later moved to England. Vivian Jones started his music journey in the 1970s with different bands. From 1980, he began recording music as a solo artist, creating many popular songs.

Vivian Jones's Early Life and Musical Start

Vivian Jones was born in Trelawny Parish, Jamaica, in 1957. When he was ten years old, he moved to England to live with his parents. They lived in different parts of London, like Willesden and Harrow.

As a teenager, Vivian became very interested in the local reggae music scene. In the mid-1970s, he started performing with sound systems. These were big music setups that played loud reggae music for people to dance to. He began as a deejay, which means he would talk over the music.

Joining Bands and Solo Success

During the 1970s, Vivian Jones was a member of several music groups. Some of these bands included The Spartans, The Doctor Birds, the Mighty Vibes, and the Pieces. He gained a lot of experience performing with these groups.

In 1980, Vivian decided to start recording music on his own. His first big hit that year was a song called "Good Morning." This song became very popular and reached the top of the UK reggae charts. The next year, he was even voted "Most Talented Singer" by a music magazine called Black Echoes (magazine). He had many more hit songs, and his music became popular even in Jamaica.

A Break and New Beginnings

After a few years, Vivian felt a bit tired of the music business. In 1982, he decided to go back to Jamaica to visit his grandparents. While there, he also recorded some new music.

Later, Vivian returned to London and took a break from music for a while. But he soon started recording again in his free time. His first solo album, called Bank Robbery, came out in 1984. He worked with talented musicians from bands like Undivided Roots and Creation Rebel on this album.

Working with Jah Shaka and Other Artists

Some of Vivian's songs from Bank Robbery, like "Flash It And Gwan," were very popular on Jah Shaka's sound system. Jah Shaka was a famous reggae DJ and producer. Vivian then worked with Jah Shaka and The Fasimbas on an album called Jah Works, which was released in 1987.

Rarely seen footage of Jah Shaka playing Vivian Jones' Dubs was shown in Handsworth Songs. This was a 1986 British documentary film. It captured important moments in Handsworth and London during 1985.

Vivian Jones also recorded music in Jamaica with other well-known producers. He sang duets (songs with two singers) with artists like Sylvia Tella and Deborahe Glasgow.

Starting His Own Label and Later Career

In the 1990s, Vivian Jones started his own music label called Imperial House. He became especially known for his lovers rock songs, which are romantic reggae tunes. His songs "Sugar Love" and "Strong Love" were big hits. He also made music that was more in the traditional roots reggae style, like his album Iyaman (1994).

In 1991, Vivian was recognized as the "Best Male Artist" at the British Reggae Industry Awards. Towards the end of the 1990s, his song "Jah See Dem a Come" became an international hit.

In 2007, to celebrate his 50th birthday, he released an album called 50th. This album featured older music styles from famous producers. His album Lovers Rocking came out in 2013. Vivian continued to record music, even working with legendary musicians Sly and Robbie in Jamaica.

Vivian Jones passed away on October 27, 2025, at the age of 68. He left behind a wonderful collection of reggae music for everyone to enjoy.

Vivian Jones's Albums (Discography)

Here is a list of some of the albums Vivian Jones released:

• Bank Robbery (1984), Ruff Cut
• Jah Works (1987), Jah Shaka
• Collection 1 (1989), Rosie
• Jamaica Love (1990), Imperial House
• Strong Love (1993), Jet Star
• Iyaman (1994), Imperial House
• Love Is For Lovers (1995), Imperial House
• Big Leaders, Imperial House
• Big Leaders Dub, Imperial House
• Moment of Magic, Imperial House
• The Vivian Jones Songbook Vol.1 (2002), Imperial House
• 50th (2007), Cousins
• One Way Exclusive (2009)
• Lovers Rocking (2013)

Compilation Albums

• Reggae Max (1997), Jet Star