Artist: Ernie Smith, Album: Don't Down Me Now 12", Song: Don't Down Me Now

Ernie Smith was originally from Kingston, Jamaica but he moved to Canada in the late seventies.  He was already a recognized artist in his homeland having cut his first single in 1967.  His music has been covered by Johnny Nash, Rita Marley as well as Chaka Demus and Pliers.  He has shared the stage with everyone from Bob Marley to the Police.  In 1973, he was honoured by the Jamaican government for his contribution to the field of music.  However, by 1976, the political unrest in the country threatened his safety and he decided to emigrate to Toronto, Canada.  Ernie wasn't the only artist targeted because of his occasional political lyrics.  There was an attempt on Bob Marley's life at the time as well.  Ernie would eventually return to his homeland and resides there today.  He spent 3 years in Canada and recorded two albums.  The first of which was in 1979, entitled, To Behold Jah.  It was an album of all original material and it included this great track, Don't Down Me Now.  The song has an underlying country feel to it.  The song was also released as an extended single (see pic).  A very good retrospective of Ernie's career was released in 1997, entitled, After 30 Years: Life Is Just For Living.  This album is available on Itunes and includes this track as well.  You can hear the remixed version of the song, Don't Down Me Now, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyK00ca3MhE).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!