LLOYD HEMMINGS

"a dynamic performer, poised to help take conscious Roots & Culture Reggae into the 21st century" (Chuck Foster, KPFK, The Beat)"His deep rooted experience, temperament virtuosity, and penchant to excel, destine him to be among the big names in Reggae”(Basil Walters, The Jamaican Gleaner)From the heart and soul of Reggae music, Trenchtown, Jamaica, comes a classic and conscious singer/songwriter of distinction, and artist of expansive vision and talent. With numerous singles, and two full length CD’s (Thirteen Months in Zion & The Healer Has Come) Lloyd Hemmings’ songs deliver a spiritually uplifting message and melodic call for social justice and unification.His natural ability and gift for music emerged early in school, where appeared on the JBC T.V. program “Where It’s At” and “Ring Ding. “As a teenager, Lloyd developed his talent rehearsing with Lloyd Parks and We The People Band. Later, bandleader and saxophonist extraordinaire, Dean Fraser, was instrumental in inspiring his musical career referring him to work with the legendary Sonny Bradshaw Seven Band, where he became a featured singer. In 1985, Lloyd was awarded 2nd Place in the Jamaican Popular Song Festival for the song “Work To Do” garnering him increased national recognition. Lloyd established his recording career working with many of Jamaica’s best studios and producers including Studio One, Lee Scratch Perry, Bunny Lee, Jammmy’s, King Tubby’s, Bullwackies, Mixing Lab, and Joe Gibbs, where he produced several notable hits including, “Africa”, “Calling All Blackman”, and “Rude Bwoy” as mentioned in the historical discography, Reggae, The Rough Guide.His professional experience includes singing harmony and playing percussion with Reggae greats Bob Marley and The Wailers, Dennis Brown, Delroy Wilson, Garnett Silk, Lloyd Campbell, Brian Thomas, Augustus Pablo, and Sugar Minott. His touring career includes performing internationally with The Sonny Bradshaw Seven Band, Zap Pow, Inner Circle, The Wailing Souls, Jimmy Riley, and The Mighty Diamonds. While touring the U.S. with his band, UpRising, in Los Angeles, Lloyd was chosen by Stevie Wonder to work on the “Happiness Unlimited” musical project, and invited to be the opening act for Ray Charles.Currently, writing, recording, collaborating, and producing new material for his upcoming CD, and preparing to tour internationally, Lloyd Hemmings is an artist with a musical legacy who continues to make his mark in Jamaican music history.