Garnet Silk’s meteoric rise to stardom
In a five-year recording career that began in 1989, Garnet Silk forged a formidable catalogue of songs that made him one of dancehall-reggae’s biggest stars. December 9 marked the 30th year since he died in a fire at his mother’s home in Manchester.
Etiga Gray, his mother, also perished in the blaze which occurred when a propane cylinder on the premises exploded. Garnet Silk was a native of Manchester.
There are over 30 albums listed in Silk’s discography, the majority of them compilations of his biggest hit songs. It’s Growing, released in 1992, is an actual album produced by Bobby Digital, a protege of Lloyd “King Jammy” James.
It’s Growing contains songs that set the pace for a remarkable three-year hit run. Those are the title track, Bless Me, Place in Your Heart, Come to Me, I Am Vex and Keep Them Talking.
VP Records, the all-reggae company based in Queens, New York, has 10 Garnet Silk albums in its catalogue including Love Is The Answer. Produced by Steely and Clevie, that set was released within days of his death.
Chris Chin, CEO of VP Records, paid tribute to the Rastafarian singer.
“Thirty years after Garnet Silk’s untimely passing, his legacy as a generational talent is undeniable. His music carried timeless messages of faith, unity, and spiritual connection that continues to move people around the world. Although his life was tragically cut short, the impact he made on reggae and those who were touched by his voice remains as powerful as ever,” said Chin.
After stints as deejay Little Bimbo on the Destiny Outanational sound system and Sugar Minott’s Youthman Promotions, Garnet Smith (Silk’s real name) became a singer and had a change in moniker when he launched his recording career 35 years ago with ska legend Derrick Morgan who produced his initial releases.
In addition to Bobby Digital, Garnet Silk recorded hit singles for the early ‘90s’ top producers, such as Donovan Germain (Lion Heart, Everything I’ve Got), Richard Bell (Hello Mama Africa) and Sly and Robbie (Green Light). Anthony Rochester wrote or co-wrote several of his hit songs including It’s Growing, Oh Me, Oh My, Fill us Up With Your Mercy and The Rod.
