ArtistInfo

Jimmy Riley

bvoc, *1954 JM
Singer / Producer of Reggae
A.k.a. Martin James Norman Riley Chanel 5 Jimmy Wonder Martin Riley

Martin James Norman Riley (b.22 May 1954, Kingston, Jamaica – d.23 March 2016, New York City, U.S.A.) better known as Jimmy Riley, was a Jamaican singer who started his career as harmony singer on Treasure Isle with producer Arthur "Duke" Reid. He joined The Uniques when Slim Smith decided to disband Techniques. But after a brief run of hits Smith decided to go solo and Riley decamped to New York. He was persuaded to return to Jamaica in 1981 by Sly & Robbie with whom he made the classic "Rhydim Driven" album and had his biggest hit "Love & Devotion". This was followed by many other hits in the 80s before the advent of digital ragga ended the popularity of his style of vocal anthems After a brief spell with The Wailers in the late 80s Riley moved to Miami, opening a reggae shop, but in the 90s moved back to Jamaica starting his own Love Promotions label and appearing regularly on the reggae festival circuit Father of Tarrus Riley.

Instruments

• Backing Vocals
• Vocals

Genres

• Reggae
• R&B/Soul
• Electronic

Plays With