Jimmy Riley

Martin James Norman Riley (b.22 May 1954, Kingston, Jamaica – d.23 March 2016, New York City, U.S.A.) better known as Jimmy Riley, was a Jamaican singer who started his career as harmony singer on Treasure Isle with producer [a=Arthur "Duke" Reid].

He ran the Pee, Yes and Civic labels.
He formed The Sensations with Buster Riley with which they will have big hits, he was also a member of the [a310501] (some sources say yes and others say no) and after that, he joined [a=The Uniques] when [a=Slim Smith] decided to disband [a=The Techniques]. But after a brief run of hits Smith decided to go solo and Riley decamped to New York.

He was persuaded to return to Jamaica in 1981 by Sly & Robbie with whom he made the classic "Rhydim Driven" album and had his biggest hit "Love & Devotion". This was followed by many other hits in the 80s before the advent of digital ragga ended the popularity of his style of vocal anthems

After a brief spell with [a=The Wailers] in the late 80s Riley moved to Miami, opening a reggae shop, but in the 90s moved back to Jamaica starting his own Treasure Isle label and appearing regularly on the reggae festival circuit

Father of [a=Tarrus Riley].