Ernie Smith

Ernie Smith – The Best Of - VP

Singer/songwriters were in an abundance in the early seventies. And when that happens, sadly what always seems to happen also is,

that certain people get overlooked. Ernie Smith made an impact on the reggae scene with ‘Pitta Patta’. With a rhythm built by the

Now Generation at Federal, Ernie sings and talks his way through a rainy night in Kingston.

‘Ride On Sammy’ is in the same style, more than just a song - they are stories of everyday life in Jamaica. When the ‘Federal’ sound

went into the Charts with Ken Boothe and ’Everything I Own’, Ernie popped up again with ’Duppy Gun Man’. Everyone who loves reggae knows this song. It’s funny, but it has a serious message as well. Combining the two themes Gunman and Duppies (Ghosts) was inspired!!! ‘Key Card’ is yet another example of this song/storytelling with a twist, this time regarding a domino game.

Not content with these huge hits, Ernie wrote ‘I Can’t Take It’, which took Johnny Nash back into the Pop Charts again. This set

is long overdue, and it is excellent. Nuff respect to Selektor Twice and CVP.