GARNETT SILK – The ROD of Reggae Music

 April 2, 2022

Garnett Silk was born Garnet Damion Smith on April 2, 1966 in Manchester, Jamaica. The smooth crooner was a Jamaican singer, songwriter and musician who left an impact on the genre.  Known for his diverse and silky voice, his conscious lyrics were always refreshing with uplifting messages. During the early 1990s he was hailed as a young prophet while being dubbed as the next artist to carry the torch from Bob Marley. His musical career began in the 80’s at the age of twelve, when he performed under the dj moniker “Little Bimbo”. Throughout the 1980’s his toasting skills were honed on sound systems such as Conquering Lion, Stereophonic, Soul Remembrance, Pepper’s Disco, and Destiny Outer-national (where he met Tony Rebel). His first recorded track “Problems Everywhere” was done in 1985, but wasn’t released until two years later. However, an album entitled “Journey” was later released. 1988 was to be a better year as he joined Sugar Minott’s Youthman Promotion label, releasing “No Disrespect”. He started working regularly with Tony Rebel and the pair began performing as a dynamic duo on sound systems. The “Garnett Silk Meets the Conquering Lion”- a dub plate special album – features exclusive recordings done for the sound system from the mid-1980s through the mid 90’s. Bob Marley, Tony Rebel and Yasus Afari were major influence throughout the early years of grooming the young Silk. The latter two were highly instrumental in convincing Garnet with converting to the Rastafarian faith. 

In 1989, veteran singer Derrick Morgan advised Smith to try singing instead and start using his own name. The decision prompted a recording session at Bunny Lee’s studio with Silk, Rebel and Anthony Selassie; as expected, the rest was history. Record labels and producers alike were positioning themselves to work with the young messenger. The release of Heartbeat label’s  “Tony Rebel Meets Garnett Silk in a Dancehall Conference” was a masterpiece that capture the recordings done by Morgan . The successful venture led him to work with producers King Tubby, King Jammys, Jack Scorpio, and Donovan Germain. As Garnet popularity grew, so did the interest of other producers and promoters. He would eventually sign a two-year contract with super producers Steely & Clevie in 1990 and recorded several songs in the process. It was the production duo who decided to use the name “Garnett Silk”, in reference to his smooth voice. Unfortunately, only the track “We Can Be Together,” a duet with Chevelle Franklin, was actually released. Discouraged by this, he returned home to concentrate on improving his songwriting abilities with his friend Anthony “Fire” Rochester.

Impressed with Garnet’s growth, Tony Rebel introduced him to Courtney Cole, owner of Roof International label. Silk consciousness and maturity grew over the years as shown in hits “Mama,” “Seven Spanish Angels,” and “I Can See Clearly Now” (Johnny Nash classic). These tracks along with “Nothing Can Divide Us” were packaged on an album of the same name for the VP Record label in the USA. The collaboration propelled Silk into international stardom as seen throughout the coming years. In 19992 he joined forces with producer Bobby Digital  and recorded his debut album “It’s Growing”. The project showcased the spiritual, cultural and romantic sides of the Reggae Messiah. The album drew global listenership and went on to become one of the best selling in Jamaica. Things were looking up as he scored his first major international hit with “Hello Mama Africa” (produced by Richard “Bello” Bell) for the Star Trail label. The single topped the reggae charts in Jamaica, UK, Africa and other parts of the Caribbean.

Over the next couple years, the singer did recordings with all of the major producers on the island, both on his own and in partnership with Tony Rebel. His comfort level with King Jammys blessed us with “Fill us up with Your Mercy” and “Lord Watch over Our Shoulders.” The latter track was turned into a 1994 compilation album by the Greensleeves label in the UK with hits from Jammys and other producers.

The 1993 “Gold” album, released by the UK Charm label, gathered some hits from this period. Among such were “Zion in a Vision,” a #1 hit with producer Jack Scorpio, as well as “Hello Mama Africa”. Silk also recorded songs for the dynamic duo of Sly & Robbie, “Thank You, Jah” and “Green Line.” As the hits piled up, so did shows and international tours. Just like all working performers, fatigue from studios and tours got the best of Garnet. He was forced to cancel some scheduled appearances, including his debut at Reggae Sumfest. Nonetheless, he recovered and bounced back in 1994 with massive hits from Steely & Clevie (Love Is the Answer) and “Fight Back,” produced by Richie Stephens. Back in full force, he headlined both the Reggae Sumfest and Sunsplash festivals. The latter set was captured for the “Live at Reggae Sunsplash” album, released later in 1999 by the Tabou1 label with backing band “Jahpostles”.

After signing an international distribution deal with Atlantic Records, Silk entered the Tuff Gong studios to start working on his second album. With the project near completion, Silk was tired from studio recordings and decided to visit his mother. While sitting with a couple of his family and friends at the house, the unfortunate happened. On December 9, 1994 a gun accidentally went off and hit the propane tank. The tragic occurrence set the house on fire but Garnet and others were able to escape for the moment. Realizing that his mother was still trapped inside, Silk rushed in to save her; sad to say, both were lost in the fire. After the fire subdued, it was shown that Silk died hugging his mother.

The reggae world came to a halt as words quickly travelled about the tragic news. As it is with all great legends, Silk’s music has been kept alive by several tributes from his musical peers like Tony Rebel, Anthony Cruz, Natty Reemo, Satelite and Macka B.  There was an Earth Day concert and numerous compilation albums, including two collections of his exclusive dubplates on, “Killamanjaro Remembers Garnett Silk” (Jam Down, 1999) and “Rule Dem” by (Trojan/Sanctuary 2006). One of the patrons favorite was the special with Dennis Brown (sing with me) where he proclaimed his love for Killamanjaro sound. Tony Rebel’s “Rebel Salute” was also done in his honor as well as Rebel birthday. In 2000, Atlantic finally released a two-CD set “The Definitive Collection”, which showcased recording tracks for his second album.

Jet-Star from the UK also released the greatest hits compilation album, “Gold” in 2000. The album contains some of Silk’s most well known songs from the unfinished 1993 album including: “The Rod”, “Hello Africa”, “Mama”, “Oh Me Oh My” “Lion Heart” and “Jah, Jah is the Ruler”.  Silk’s son Garnet Smith Jr. followed his footsteps in the career of music. Anthony Cruz (Silk’s nephew) recorded a tribute album in 2013, covering most of his top hits. His wife “Lovely” (Novelyn Banton) expressed that he was the most spiritual and caring father and the greatest partner in the world. She still reminisces over him and stated that it’s like he hasn’t come home in a while. A musical tribute is done globally on various radio programs as sign of respect around his birthday in April. Garnett Silk will be remembered as the true” Rod” of reggae music as we seek to put love in a place within our hearts.