Junior Murvin

Junior Murvin (born Murvin Junior Smith, circa 1946 – 2 December 2013) was a Jamaican reggae musician best known for his 1976 hit single "Police and Thieves," produced by Lee "Scratch" Perry. Born in Saint James Parish, Jamaica, he moved to Port Antonio after his father’s death and later to Trenchtown, Kingston, where he began pursuing music. Influenced by Curtis Mayfield, Murvin initially recorded under the name Junior Soul and worked with labels such as Gayfeet and Crystal, achieving modest early success with songs like "Solomon." He also performed with groups including the Hippy Boys, Mighty Falcons, and the Tornadoes in Kingston’s nightclubs and hotels.

Murvin’s breakthrough came when he auditioned for Perry with his original song "Police and Thieves," which became a major international hit, particularly in Jamaica and the UK. The song, addressing Jamaica's turf wars and police violence, was famously associated with the 1976 Notting Hill Carnival riots in London. Murvin and Perry went on to produce the album Police and Thieves in 1977, which is widely regarded as one of Perry’s finest productions. The song was later covered by the British punk band The Clash, further cementing its influence. Murvin continued to collaborate with notable producers like Joe Gibbs, Alvin Ranglin, Henry "Junjo" Lawes, Prince Jammy, and King Tubby, releasing hits such as "Miss Kushie," "Cool Out Son," and "Bad Man Posse."

Through the 1980s and beyond, Murvin remained active in music, performing with top Jamaican bands like Jah Postles, touring extensively in Europe, and recording singles both locally and internationally. His final album, Signs and Wonders, was released in 1989, and his last known single, "Wise Man," came out in 1998 on the Dubwise label. Despite a decline in commercial success later in his career, Junior Murvin’s distinctive falsetto voice and socially conscious lyrics ensured his lasting legacy as an influential figure in reggae music.