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Quick Facts
Born
1964
1964
From
Jamaica
Jamaica
Journey
Barrington Ainsworth Levy is a Jamaican recording artist whose work has remained central to the development of reggae and dancehall since the late 1970s. Entering the music industry as a teenager, he introduced a distinctive high-tenor vocal approach that broadened the expressive range of dancehall and established a style later adopted by artists across reggae, hip-hop, jungle, drum and bass, and electronic music. His recordings continue to be sampled and reinterpreted, reflecting a lasting influence that extends well beyond Jamaica.
Levy's recording career began with 'The Mighty Multitude,' a duo formed with his cousin Everton Dacres. After releasing the single "My Black Girl" in 1977, he pursued a solo career and attracted the support of producers Henry "Junjo" Lawes and Hyman "Jah Life" Wright. Recording with the Roots Radics, he built a reputation through releases including "Collie Weed," "Englishman," "Shine Eye Gal," "Looking My Love," and "Wedding Ring Aside," which became fixtures of Jamaica's rapidly evolving dancehall culture.
Rather than remaining tied to one era, Levy expanded his catalog over subsequent decades with albums such as "Englishman," "Robin Hood," "Bounty Hunter," "Poor Man Style," "Here I Come," "Living Dangerously," and "Time Capsule." Songs including "Here I Come," "Under Mi Sensi," "Too Experienced," "Black Roses," and "Murderer" have retained a strong presence through radio, live performance, sampling, and reinterpretation by later generations of musicians. His 2015 album "Acousticalevy" earned a nomination for Best Reggae Album at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards, marking the first Grammy nomination of his career.
Levy has also collaborated with artists from reggae and beyond, including Snoop Dogg, Gorillaz, Damian Marley, Beanie Man, Rebelution, and Stick Figure, demonstrating the broad appeal of his music across genres and audiences. His continued touring and recording activity have reinforced his reputation as an enduring international performer.
With a career spanning nearly five decades, Barrington Levy occupies a significant place in Jamaican popular music. His contribution to the evolution of dancehall, extensive body of recorded work, and sustained global influence have established him as one of reggae's most accomplished and enduring vocalists.