Country: Jamaica
Lloyd Charmers (born Lloyd Tyrell, 18 April 1946 – 27 December 2012) was a Jamaican ska and reggae singer, keyboardist, and record producer, known for his versatility as both a performer and producer. He began his career in 1962 as part of the duo The Charmers with Roy Willis, performing on Vere Johns' Talent Hour. After the duo split, he joined The Uniques with Slim Smith and Martin Jimmy Riley, later pursuing a solo career and releasing albums in 1970. Charmers also recorded risqué material under his own name or as Lloydie & The Lowbites. Charmers founded his record label, Splash, in the early 1970s and became a highly regarded producer, known for sophisticated arrangements. He worked with prominent artists such as Don Drummond, Max Romeo, The Abyssinians, Gregory Isaacs, and Cornell Campbell. With his session band, The Now Generation, he produced hits for Ken Boothe, B. B. Seaton, The Gaylads, and Lloyd Parks. Later relocating to the UK, Charmers expanded into lovers rock and disco, while his 1969 song "Birth Control" was adapted by the UK ska band The Specials for their 1980 hit "Too Much Too Young." In 2001, Blood and Fire released Darker Than Blue: Soul From Jamdown 1973–1980, compiling Charmers’ rarities and introducing his work to a new generation. Lloyd Charmers passed away on 27 December 2012 from a heart attack in London while driving, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Jamaican music as both a singer and producer.
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