Artist

Jimmy Riley

reggae vocalist

Kingston, Jamaica · 1954 – 2016

Jimmy Riley is a musician from Kingston, Jamaica, active 1954–2016. Their discography on Gatefold includes 2 records. They also recorded with The Uniques.

Photo of Jimmy Riley

4

Albums tracked

6

In collections

1954

Since

2 projects · 6 records in Gatefold collections

Biography

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 ran the, and labels.
He formed The Sensations with with which they will have big hits, he was also a member of the The Three Tops (some sources say yes and others say no) and after that, he joined The Uniques when Slim Smith decided to disband The 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.

Bio from Discogs

Jimmy Riley — solo

Their records — most-collected first.

The Uniques

A project Jimmy Riley was part of.

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