Jamaica’s reggae singer Pluto Shervington dies at 73

Jamaica: The citizens of Jamaica have been shaken by the demise of the singer Pluto Shervington. It is to be noted the singer passed away at the age of 73 at a hospital in Miami, Florida, on Friday morning. 

The multi-talented star, who was also known as a producer, musician, songwriter and engineer, was born on 13th August 1950 in Kingston, Jamaica.

Shervington started his career in the early 1970s as a member of Tomorrow’s Children showband. Pluto was inspired by the success of Jamaican reggae singers Ernie Smith’s “Duppy or a Gunman” and Tinga Stewart’s “Play de Music”, so he also recorded a song in a similar style. His song ‘Ram Goat Liver’ became a comical song that became a hit in 1976.

His follow-up song, “Dat”, achieved considerable chart success internationally in 1976. His chartbuster song reached number 6 on the UK Singles Chart.

Pluto also worked as a record producer, oversaw the creation of “Hooray Festival”, which was performed by Roman and Stewart, and produced “Midnight Rider”, which was performed by Paul Davidson. The songs were created in 1975 and these chartbusters peaked at number 10 in the UK Singles Chart in December 1975.

As a songwriter, Pluto Shervington wrote ‘Dancing to my own Heartbeat’. The song was sung by Lorna Bennett, and it became a disco-style hit in 1976.

Shervington shifted to Miami, Florida, in 1977 and continued to record music and reached the UK top 20 Singles chart with ‘Your Honour’, which was originally recorded in 1975 but was never released at the time.

Moreover, he came as a guest of honour and performed with Ken Lazarus and the surviving members of the Now Generation band on Ernie Smith’s celebration of 30 years in the business.

In addition, Shervington gained an immense reputation as a talented bass guitarist and as a recording engineer, notably engineering Little Roy’s 1974 album, Tafari Earth Uprising.

The fans of the singer also mourned his demise and extended their condolences. One of her fans with a Facebook account, Chris Lewis, commented, “At a young age, mid-70s, my parents’ changer/ record player, his songs were a must play for me. I used his songs to bring much relief to many. May the joy he brought to many now carry him through this transformation., and may his soul rest in peace.”

Another fan, Marcia Julye, commented the following: “End of an Era, May his soul R.I.P Condolences to his family.”

“One of the greats I’ve met a few times here in Florida. He’s an awesome individual. RIP.” commented his other fan.