Frankie Paul, born
Paul Blake, was a towering figure in Jamaican music, bridging the gap between roots reggae and the digital dancehall revolution of the 1980s.
Early Life: The “Jamaican Stevie Wonder”
Born blind in Kingston in 1965, he had his sight partially restored at age four after surgery on a hospital ship. His musical path was cemented in 1975 when his idol, Stevie Wonder, visited his school for the blind. After hearing the young Paul sing, Wonder encouraged him to pursue music professionally—an encounter Paul later described as the most exciting moment of his life.
Rise to Dancehall Stardom
Paul was incredibly prolific, often nicknamed “Tune-a-Day” for his ability to record several albums per year.
- Debut: He recorded his first single, “African Princess,” at age 15 under the guidance of guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith.
- Producer Powerhouses: Throughout the 1980s, he dominated the charts by working with every major producer, including King Jammy, Henry “Junjo” Lawes, and George Phang.
- Defining Hits: He became a dancehall icon with anthems like “Pass the Tu-Sheng-Peng” and “Worries In the Dance,” while also mastering “lovers rock” with the smash hit “Sara”.
Later Career and “Life”
Even as musical trends shifted, Frankie Paul remained active through collaborations and international tours.
- Collaboration with Harmonie Deja: In his later years, he collaborated with Harmonie Deja on the track “Life,” a soulful single released in 2015. The song showcases his enduring ability to blend smooth vocal melodies with modern production, reflecting on the journey and struggles of existence.
- Relocation: In 1994, he moved to The Gambia, becoming an ambassador for reggae in West Africa.
The Final Chapter
Frankie Paul’s later years were marked by a courageous battle with health complications from diabetes. Despite losing his leg to the disease in 2016, he continued to perform until his passing in May 2017. He is remembered as one of the most versatile and consistent voices Jamaica ever produced, leaving behind a massive catalog of over 30 albums.