His own hits included I Care , I'm Only Human , What Can I Do (Wedding Song) , Do I Worry , Solomon , Born To Love You , Standing In and Walk The Streets . In the '60s, Harriot also produced hits with Rudy Mills ( Long Story and the Kingstonians ( Winey Winey ).
From 1970 to 1974 Derrick ran his musical Chariot disco at the VIP Club where many musical legends including Bob Marley and the Wailers, made periodic appearances. In the '80s the crooner produced more songs including Skin To Skin , All Shook Up , Float On , Oogum Boogum Song and Checking Out, Checking In . Were his numerous songs many of which were - about love and heartbreak, in one form or another - his own story? Characteristically, Harriot again dodges this question, stating that "all good songs are based on the real experiences of life, which is why they are good songs." His song, I was born a loser , is said to have lasted the longest in terms of popular airplay. Harriot's Checking Out, Checking In is also still a staple on local radio.
It was as early as the mid 1960s, when Derrick opened up his first shop at 125 King Street. Now, he is a landmark in Twin Gates Plaza, Kingston. In the new century Harriot has switched to a career of facilitating those who want to build collections through his own record shop. Word is, if Harriot does not have it, it cannot be found. Michael Barnett states, "in my estimation Derrick is one of the greatest contributors to the Jamaican music industry," expressing the opinion that Harriot's range of involvement is unequalled. "He (Harriot) started with a group and then went on to excel as a vocalist. He then moved on to owning a record shop, selling and distributing music. He was also a disco operator. Later, he extended his record shop into a video shop.
"He was the first to record Dennis Brown. There was also Rudy Mills and Keith and Tex with Stop that Train . Others whom he produced included the Kingstonians and Bungo Herman. Harriot also provided backup for a number of others." Recently, in the 90s, he produced several members of the Scare Dem Crew, among other artistes. In every way, Harriot has embraced and nurtured the music. "He has touched every facet of the music, which nobody else has done," said Barnett. Barnett added, "Harriot is an exceptional singer. He has a good falsetto and a regular tone. He was a very good harmony singer too.
