Little John

John McMorris (Little John) John McMorris, born March 30, 1965, in Kingston, Jamaica, is a dancehall musician better known as Little John. Nicknamed for his early start, he began performing and recording at just nine years old. He made his debut with Captain Sinbad’s Youth in Progress label, releasing singles such as "51 Storm," and is considered one of the first dancehall singers, known for his skill in creating lyrics over any backing track. In the 1980s, he worked with legendary backing bands like Roots Radics and Sly & Robbie, with dub and discomix mixes handled by Scientist. Little John became affiliated with Sugar Minott’s Youth Promotion organization and performed on major Jamaican sound systems including Romantic Hi Fi (also the name of his record label), Kilimanjaro, Gemini, and Volcano Hi Power. He recorded for prominent producers such as King Jammy, Jah Thomas, George Phang, and Joseph Hoo Kim. His spiritually conscious composition "The More We Are Together" (also known as Praising His Majesty) earned him recognition among Jah Shaka sound system followers, particularly through popular Dubplate discomix versions. Little John’s vocal style influenced the early digital reggae scene of the mid-1980s and extended into the London-based Ragga, Jungle, and drum & bass scenes in the 1990s. He performed at Reggae Sumfest in 2010, paying tribute to Sugar Minott. In 2025, he released a comprehensive retrospective compilation, Various: In The Mood, Little John’s Romantic Label 1986–1990, featuring rare digital roots, ragga, and dancehall discomix tunes, including performances from Frankie Paul, Early B, and other foundational artists of the era.