New CD From
General Smiley
General Smiley began his career in the late 70's at Studio One
under the direction of the late "Sir Coxsone Dodd". The duo, Michigan
and Smiley recorded their number one hit Rub A Dub Style, over
the original master tape for Alton Ellis' I'm Just A Guy, followed
by the even more popular Nice Up The Dance. Although
Sir Dodd released hits in the dancehall style, the sessions proved to
be his swan-song before relocating to New York. The duo were able
to
overcome this setback by recording at Tuff Gong Studio the
classic One Love Jamdown, produced by Jahmet Enwright, which
was released as a double-A-side with Freddie McGregor's Jogging.
Michigan
and Smiley gave dynamic performances at the annual Reggae
Sunsplash
Festivals in 1980 through 1985, but it was the unmatched performace in
1981 which led to a debut appearance in the UK where they topped the
bill at the Black Echoes Reggae Awards Show.
In 1982, Henry "Junjo"
Lawes Productions dominated the dancehall scene; introducing current
DJ's to a wider audience without attenuating the sound.
Michigan and Smiley recorded a grim warning to prospective philanderers
with Diseases. The song even inspired Yellowman to record an
identical version alongside his sparring partner, Fathead.
In 1982, Michigan and Smiley also recorded at Channel One the album Step
By Step, produced by "Joe Joe" on the Hitbound Label. The
following year, Michigan and Smiley recorded another number one single
from the album of the same name Sugar
Daddy, produced by "Dr Dread" for Ras Records. Throughout the 80's,
Michigan and Smiley sustained attention in the album charts with the
releases Step By Step, Sugar Daddy, Back In The Biz and
Reality Must Rule Again. The duo enjoyed a revival in the 90's
when some of their earlier hits resurfaced through VP Records in
the USA.
Although
they both are involved in their own respective projects within the
realms of the art, Michigan and Smiley still perform together at
festivals and special events.
General Smiley recently finished recording his first solo album at
Kingston Studio in New York entitled, O.G.S. This soon to be
released album is produced by Miss Jillian Wess for Upfulone
Records in New Jersey.
MP3 download at www.ruffcompanyentertainment.com
Francene Lacey
laceymanage@aol.com
917-684-4493