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SOUTH FLORIDA – Of the many hit songs Ernie Smith recorded during the 1970s, All For Jesus is his most spiritual. It was released in 1974 as a gospel-reggae track. The song is covered by singer Ian Sweetness. He recalls listening to it as a boy in Jamaica.
His version is part of A Tribute To Ernie Smith, an album of songs saluting the Jamaican singer-songwriter who died in April at age 80. Additionally, it is produced by Ed Robinson for Global Digital Records.
Ian Sweetness said he did a demo of All For Jesus. This demo caught the attention of Robinson, who told him about the tribute project.
“They requested they would build the track for the song, and that was it,” he recalled.
Smith was at his songwriting peak at the time All For Jesus was released on the Wild Flower label. The Wild Flower label is a subsidiary of Federal Records in Jamaica. It also produced most of his hit songs.
Bend Down, Life is Just For Living and Pitta Patta preceded All For Jesus. The song found an audience among gospel and secular fans in Jamaica. While he was drawn to roots/lovers rock singers like Dennis Brown and Beres Hammond, Ian Sweetness said All For Jesus struck a chord with him.
“I like a few of his (Smith’s) songs, but this one I’m really interested in,” he said.
A Tribute To Ernie Smith Project
The charismatic Smith was managed by Joanna Marie, Robinson’s wife, at the time of his passing. They thought it would be a sound idea to assemble artists to cover some of his songs for A Tribute To Ernie Smith. This album revisits his 60-year career.
Ojay Smith, his son, does Life Is Just For Living, while Mr. Vegas puts his spin on Duppy Gunman. Papa Michigan (Bend Down) and Sahara Smith (Don’t Down Me Now) also contributed to the album.
The post Ernie Smith’s All For Jesus Reimagined by Ian Sweetness appeared first on South Florida Caribbean News.
