Glenroy “Ernie” Smith, O.D.
(May 1, 1945 - April 16, 2026)
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Glenroy Anthony Michael Archangelo Smith, known by many as Ernie Smith the Reggae singer with a smooth deep baritone voice. Ernie was born in Kingston, Jamaica on May 01, 1945 and was raised in May Pen and St. Ann. His musical influence came from his father who played the guitar and his mother who sang on the church choir. At the age of twelve his father bought him a guitar and taught him to play. He later on, after leaving school played guitar in his band The Vandals in Claremont, St. Ann, and was it was at this point in his musical journey that he attained the nicknamed ‘Ernie’, after the famous Jamaican guitarist Ernie Ranglin.
The Songwriter After school, Ernie initially sought a career as a radio announcer, which was unsuccessful. Due to this he then approached Federal Records looking for work as a songwriter and ended up recording his own songs himself. His first set of recordings were not a success and so Ernie spent time working in life insurance before returning to the studio life. Recording his songs initially in an easy listening style, Ernie’s first chart success came in the late 1960s with the song "Bend Down”. This was later followed by other Jamaican number one hits like "Ride on Sammy," "One Dream," and "Pitta Patta", all produced by Richard Khouri at Federal Records. Ernie acknowledges himself as a Traditional songwriter, stating that “sometimes the melody comes first, sometimes the words or the chords, it all depends, sometimes we can have a conversation and it just triggers something.” In 1972, he won the Yamaha Music Festival in Japan with “Life Is Just for Living,” a song originally written for a Red Stripe commercial. The song went on to become one of Jamaica’s most iconic and enduring jingles, celebrated for both its remarkable longevity and widespread popularity across generations. Breaking new ground in Jamaican advertising and music history, it was the first full-length song ever used as a commercial jingle in Jamaica, transforming the way brands connected with audiences through music. Its success extended far beyond the island, becoming the first song from Jamaica to receive an international award. The achievement not only highlighted his exceptional talent as a composer and performer, but also marked an important moment in the global recognition of Jamaican creativity and musical innovation. “Adrian Robinson approached me and said that he noticed that after the elections people were not drinking so much hard liquor, just cooling out and drinking a beer and he actually said he wants the song to be called “the song of the young men”, which ended up as just being a line in the song- “ This is the song that young men sing” |
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This jingle was originally written as a full-length song, an innovative approach that had not been done before in Jamaican advertising music. Adrian Robinson of CGR approached Ernie with a brief outlining the concept and desired feel for the song, encouraging a composition that could work both as a commercial piece and a standalone musical work. Ted Powell, then publisher at Federal Records, submitted the song to the Yamaha Music Festival, recognising its strong crossover potential between popular music and advertising. At the time, Ernie was living in Harbour View when he received a letter informing him: “We have the honour to inform you that the song has been selected for the contest, the World Popular Music Festival in Tokyo, sponsored by the Yamaha Foundation for Music Education.” This unexpected invitation marked a significant turning point, affirming the international appeal of his work. All expenses for his travel and participation in the contest were covered, allowing him to attend and represent Jamaica on a global stage. The experience not only exposed his music to an international audience but also underscored the growing reach and influence of Jamaican popular music during that era.
The song travelled to Tokyo in November 1972, before being released for the Red Stripe campaign in January 1973. For the commercial rollout, the lyrics were adapted from “Life Is Just for Living” to “I’d rather have a Red Stripe,” aligning the song more directly with the brand message. When it won the competition, it sparked widespread excitement in Jamaica. Upon its release as the campaign song, it became a major hit and contributed significantly to a boost in Red Stripe sales. DB&G purchased 5,000 copies to distribute to employees, reflecting both its popularity and its impact as a marketing tool. While the record itself did not achieve strong commercial sales, it proved highly effective in driving product demand, essentially selling beer rather than records. During this era in Jamaica, advertising music played a powerful role in consumer behaviour, with well-crafted jingles often leading to rapid increases in sales from the 1960s through the 1980s, before the decline of the model in the 1990s. A promotional video was also produced for the song and aired on JBC Television nightly, further amplifying its reach and cultural impact. At the height of its popularity, the campaign made Ernie widely recognisable, and he later recalled the loss of privacy it brought: “Everywhere I go, people just walk up to me, walk and gawk,” he said fondly, laughing at the memory. An album, Life Is Just For Living followed in 1974 on Trojan Records. "Pitta Patta" was followed by further Jamaican hits with "Duppy or Gunman" and "Key Card”. The song and ad was remade in the 2000’s, celebrating 57 years of the “Life is Just for Living” ad. Everything in the ad was red representing the brand, but it was not as impacting as the original campaign and was only aired locally.
Ernie also wrote several other advertising jingles, including the “Reggae Jamming” jingle, the National Commercial Bank theme, and the Sam’s Clothing Store campaign, which featured the line “Keep on doing what you’re doing, Sam’s,” adapted from his song “Ride on Sammy.” His work demonstrated a strong ability to merge popular music with commercial messaging in a way that felt both memorable and culturally resonant. Over the years, he collaborated with a range of advertising agencies, including Vin Kelly, CGR, and various smaller commercial agencies throughout the 2000s. These partnerships further extended his influence in the field of commercial music, reinforcing his reputation as a composer whose work effectively bridged the worlds of entertainment and advertising.
As Ernie’s career progressed, he found himself writing music not only for himself but also for a wide range of artists and projects across multiple formats. He composed and recorded the song “Adjectives” for Calvin Lockhart’s film Every Nigger Is a Star, and later collaborated with Bob Marley’s mother, Cedella Booker, as a songwriter.
In 1987, he was approached by Perry Henzell to write music for a musical on Marcus Garvey, which was staged in 1988. For this project, Henzell would provide lyrics or conceptual notes outlining the themes and ideas for each song, while Ernie would compose the melodies and bring them to life musically. The collaboration proved highly productive, resulting in a substantial body of work comprising over 20 songs. He also worked on projects with singer-songwriter Susan Couch, who provided him with the chords and melody for a song titled “I’m on Your Side,” which Ernie then developed lyrically. In addition to original compositions, Ernie found success with covers of popular songs such as “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” and achieved recognition as a songwriter in the Festival Song Contest in 1974 with Tinga Stewart’s “Play De Music.”
One of his most notable songwriting credits came with “I Can’t Take It,” which topped the UK and European singles charts in 1975 when recorded by Johnny Nash under the title “Tears on My Pillow.” However, the title change led to confusion with the Little Anthony song of the same name, which initially resulted in Ernie missing out on royalties. Across his career, he has written over 200 songs, many of which have been recorded by artists including Rita Marley, Judy Boucher, John Jones, Shabba Ranks (Shabba Demus and Pliers), and Twiggy, among others.
In 1973, he became the first musician to be honoured by the Jamaican Government with the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service in the Field of Music. In 1976, his song “The Power and the Glory” was interpreted by some as a critique of Prime Minister Michael Manley’s policies, leading to threats on his life and prompting him to relocate with his family to Toronto, Ontario, Canada. While in Canada, he continued to record and produce music, including albums such as To Behold Jah and Skareggae, among others.
In the late 1970s, Smith’s work increasingly appealed to older audiences, and he released gospel-influenced recordings, including the 1978 album I’ll Sing for Jesus. In 1988, he returned to Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Gilbert and resumed recording and performing, initially with a new band, The New Agenda. In 1996, he released Dancehall Ernie Cleans It Up, which featured new material alongside some of his most well-known songs.
Over the decades, Ernie had continued to perform as a solo artist, maintaining his reputation as a celebrated Jamaican musician, composer, and cultural figure. Ernie, the celebrated Jamaican singer-songwriter, passed away on April 16, 2026, at the age of 80 at the University of Miami Hospital in Florida with his family by his side. His passing marked the end of a remarkable career that left a lasting impact on Jamaican music and international audiences. Smith’s work as a songwriter and performer helped shape the sound of modern Jamaican popular music, spanning reggae, pop, gospel, and commercial composition. He was particularly noted for his innovative use of full-length songs as advertising jingles, expanding the creative possibilities of music within the commercial space. With a catalogue of over 200 songs recorded by prominent local and international artists, his influence extended well beyond his own recordings.
He is widely regarded as a versatile and pioneering figure whose music reflects both the cultural spirit of Jamaica and its global reach, securing his place as one of the island’s most significant musical contributors. His body of work stands as a testament to lyrical ingenuity, melodic craftsmanship, and an enduring ability to capture the everyday experiences, humour, struggles, and aspirations of ordinary people. Through songs that transcended genre and generation, Ernie Smith left behind a legacy not only of memorable music, but of storytelling that resonated deeply with the heart of a nation. His influence continues to echo through Jamaican music and beyond, shaping artists who follow and preserving his voice as an integral part of the island’s cultural memory and heritage.
Written by Janine Coombs
Ernie was Interviewed by Janine Coombs and Peter Ashbourne on the 26 October, 2021
LIST OF AWARDS TO GLENROY “ERNIE” SMITH SINCE 1973
1973
- BH(M) – The Badge of Honour / for Meritorious Service in the field of music ….Govt. of Jamaica
- Generous and Outstanding Service ….Self Reliance Youth Development Organization - Sampar's
- Heineken Startime: Living Legends Award
- Induction in the Reggae Hall of Fame…International Reggae & World Music.
- Bronze Musgrave Medal for Contribution in the Field of Music….Institute of Jamaica
- Living Legend Award for Long and Outstanding Contribution to World Music &
2006.
- Inaugural Corporate Citizen Award – Bronze Award.., American Chamber of Commerce
- Vintage Award….Reggae Soca Music Award
- Order of Distinction (rank of officer) Governor of Jamaica
- Lifetime Achievement Award... Jamaica Day (Canada)
- Caribbean Hall of Fame Award for Excellence….Caribbean Development for Arts Sports & Culture Foundation
- The Pinnacle Award … The Coalition for Preserving Reggae Music (CPR)
- Certificate of Recognition…. State of New York Executive Chamber. Governor David Paterson
- PROCLAMATION by Congresswoman Yvette Clarke….Us House Of Representative
- Outstanding Service and Contribution to the Music Industry….Linkage Awards.
- Outstanding Achievement Award….Linkage Awards
- “Yorkist” Excellence Award for outstanding achievement in Music and Culture…York Castle High School.
- Appreciation Award. Keith Walford. SW St. Ann
- Living Legend Award Caribbean Community of Retired persons CCRP
- For Outstanding Contribution as Singer and Musician…Govt. and People of Guyana
- Iconic Artiste in the Music Industry – Honour Award…THE JARIA
- For Exceptional Contribution to Reggae Industry – Songwriter Award….THE JARIA
Discography
- Greatest Hits (1971) London
- Pitta Patta (1972) Federal
- Ernie...Smith, That Is (1972) Federal
- For The Good Times (1974) Federal
- Life Is Just For Living (1974) Trojan
- Ernie Smith (Test Pressing, Unreleased Album Produced By Van McCoy) (1974) Warner Bros
- Pure Gold Rock & Roll And Rocksteady (1975) Wildflower
- I'll Sing For Jesus (1978) Wildflower
- To Behold Jah (1979) Generation/Tuff Gong
- Skareggae (1981) Generation
- Mr. Smith's Classics (1982) KR
- On The Road Ernie Smith Music
- Folk Songs of Jamaica (1992) Ernie Smith Music
- Greatest Hits (1995) Musicrama
- Dancehall Ernie Cleans It Up (1996) Ernie Smith Music
- Step Up (1996) Ernie Smith Music
- After 30 Years Life Is Just For Living (1997) Ernie Smith Music/VP
- The Very Best of Ernie Smith (1998) Rhino
- Greatest Hits (1999) K&K
- Country Mile (2008) VP
- The Best of Ernie Smith – Original Masters (2010) VP
