Neville Francis

Song-writer,singer, and guitarist, Neville Francis, was born in St Thomas, Jamaica; And grew up in Snow Hill, Portland, until age fourteen when he relocated with his family to Jones Town. In Jones Town, Francis was exposed to the musically nurturing and artistically vibrant environment that is Kingston 12, and quickly began learning to play the guitar and to sing back-up vocals. It was probably these early experiences which led to a short stint as a back-up singer with icon, Monty Morris. His initial studio recordings took place at the legendary Studio One recording studio singing back-up for Belltones leadsinger, Trevor Shields. In the early 70’s the artist emigrated to Toronto, Canada, and eventually met musical stalwart, Jo Jo Bennet, who became teacher and mentor to the budding guitarist and back-up vocalist. It was at Bennett’s, Sattalite music school, that teacher convinced pupil to start singing lead-vocals. When Jo Jo Bennet subsequently decided to form a professional band-The Sattalites- he invited Francis to become a member. Francis established himself as a writer,co-lead singer, and back-up vocalist on several of the band’s recordings. In 1993 Francis re-located to Buffalo, New York, and soon co-founded the band, Strictly Riddim which quickly became one of the areas most proficient reggae bands. His solo cd was released in 2003 and he continues to live in the Buffalo area fronting his new band, The Riddim Posse. The beat goes on!