Junior Murvin, born Murvin Junior Smith on December 7, 1949, in Port Antonio, Jamaica, was a renowned reggae musician best known for his unique, soaring falsetto voice. He gained significant acclaim with the release of his classic 1976 single "Police & Thieves," which became synonymous with the roots reggae movement. The song was famously produced by Lee "Scratch" Perry at the legendary Black Ark studio, showcasing Murvin's talent and Perry's innovative production style. As a result, "Police & Thieves" resonated widely, even being covered by The Clash, which helped introduce reggae to a punk and new wave audience.

Throughout his career, Junior Murvin remained a poignant figure in reggae, not only for his distinctive vocal style but also for his socially conscious lyrics that often reflected the strife and reality of the political landscape of Jamaica and the broader world. His body of work includes albums like "Muggers in the Street," and singles such as "Cool Out Son," "World Inflation," and "Badman Possee." Despite the ebb and flow of his commercial success, Murvin's contributions to the tapestry of reggae music continued to reverberate, leading to the release of a deluxe edition of "Police & Thieves," allowing new generations of listeners to discover his impassioned messages and melodies. Junior Murvin passed away on December 2, 2013, but his music remains a testament to his talent and the era of roots reggae he helped define.

Genres

Dub

Reggae

Roots Reggae

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Latest Release

World Inflation

Junior Murvin

Single - Released July 5, 2023