Millie Small was a powerful Jamaican singer-songwriter best known for her classic remake of “My Boy Lollipop. Born Millicent Dolly May Small on October 6, 1946 in Clarendon, Jamaica; Small would captivate the world with her powerful high pitched vocals. As a teenager, she recorded for Coxsone Dodd’s Studio One record label as a duo with Roy Panton. The two gained minor success with the hit “We’ll Meet”. Though petite in stature, she was impactful enough to catch the attention of Island Record boss Chris Blackwell. In 1963 Blackwell took her to England and have guitarist Ernest Ranglin rearranged Barbie Gayle’s version of “My Boy Lollipop” and the rest was history.  The single was released in 1964 and Small’s version immediately became an international success. The song reached number two on both the British and U.S Billboard charts. Millie became an instant superstar as the song captured the success of transcending into the biggest selling “Ska” song of all time.  She was dubbed as a blue beat singer who became the first Jamaican artist to have a major hit in both the UK and U.S. at the same time. This feat gave Island Records its first major hit and ensured stardom for Small who also paved the way for women on a global level.

Being a megastar propelled Small into the limelight that transitioned performances with the Beatles and other stars. She would appear on several television programs as well as hosting her own TV special on Finnish National Television. The fun loving Small was a stature on British television both as a host and actress.  Her career in music was short lived as she went from Island record and started recording for Trojan Records. Though she continued recording and touring up until the early seventies, she took a break to focus on her family. Nonetheless, her impact on the music industry is still recognized even today. She was awarded with a Medal of Appreciation in 1987 and the Order of Distinction in 2011 for her contributions to the Jamaican Music Industry. Former Prime Minister Edward Seaga accepted the award on her behalf. Sadly to many, Millie Small passed away on May 5, 2020 from a stroke at the age of 72.