Hailing from Huddersfield, Harlem Gem are Richmond Quarshie (Richy Gem) and Lloyd Charles (Lloydie Gem). Richy is the gifted songwriter, arranger, musician and producer, whilst Lloydie provides the distinctive lead vocals. The two met whilst working on various projects, but didn't become a firm partnership until 1989. In 1990 after signing to Boss Records, they released a series of singles including the unforgettable “Missing You Missing Me c/w Heaven Is (Lying in Your Arms) to top the Independent charts and win Best Newcomers Award.
1994 heralded a new horizon as the single 'Let Me Love You' received critical acclaim and was play-listed on radio stations across the country including Radio 1. It was also featured on Jet Star’s premier reggae compilation series- Pure Lovers Vol. 8 alongside distinguished legends like Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Junior Delgado and Ruddy Thomas helping to establish Harlem Gem in Europe, Africa, the Far East and other parts of the world. 1994 not only saw more releases from Harlem Gem, but also an appearance on 'Teenbeat' - Africa's premier television music programme which has hosted amongst others, Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick, Sounds of Blackness, Shabba Ranks and Public Enemy.font
With a massive following built on powerful live shows including appearances with The Wailers, D-Influence, Alton Ellis, Mike Anthony, Don Campbell and many more, Harlem Gem sparked off a feeling of something special happening in reggae. In 1999, their eagerly awaited debut album- ‘HUNGRY’’ exploded on the scene, which sent out powerful messages about struggles and issues everyone related to and was acclaimed as one of the significant reggae albums of its time.
Before long Harlem Gem had added a tour of France and appearances at CLOTHESHOW (NEC), Hackney Empire, the Commonwealth Sports Awards and Bradford International Music Festival to their ever-impressive portfolio. Their booking for the Commonwealth Sports Awards in St Lucia confirmed their status as one of the UK's leading reggae bands. Appearing alongside Beres Hammond during the 2003 breath-taking tour was another huge statement for the band’s accomplishments and UK reggae. Harlem Gem have now launched their own label ‘Gem Magic’ and are working on the long-awaited follow-up to ‘HUNGRY’’ which promises be another defining moment for reggae- BE WARNED!!!
..