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Post by Admin on Dec 3, 2013 9:22:31 GMT -5
From The Guardian
David Katz
The Jamaican singer Junior Murvin, who has died aged 67 after suffering from diabetes and hypertension, was celebrated for his mastery of falsetto and for writing unusual lyrics that made good use of folk wisdom. His anthem-like Police and Thieves, recorded in 1976, promptly inspired noteworthy cover versions by, among others, the Clash.
Murvin's single was a hit in Jamaica and was released in the UK by Island Records. In London it became a soundtrack to the violent disturbances of that year's Notting Hill Carnival. The Clash's popular version, and the use of Murvin's original in the Jamaican film Rockers (1978), led to belated UK chart success for Murvin. Police and Thieves reached No 23 in 1980, bringing him an appearance on Top of the Pops.
Born Murvin Junior Smith – most likely in 1946, although some sources say 1949 – he was raised by his great-grandmother in the bustling coastal market town of Port Antonio. His father died when Murvin was young, and his mother subsequently emigrated. At the local Methodist church, Murvin operated the pump for the pipe organ but he was too shy to join the choir.
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