Christianity plays a big part in Cleveland “Clevie” Browne’s life. Best known as a member of Steely and Clevie, he was a man of faith even while making some of the hottest dancehall jams of the 1980s and 1990s.

For his over 50 years as a musician-producer the reserved drummer has been honoured with becoming a member of the Order of Distinction (OD) by Jamaica’s Government.

He will receive the insignia in October during the Annual Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards at King’s House.

“I am humbled and extremely grateful for the OD; recognition which confirms that my work has had a profound impact on Jamaica’s musical expressions, culture and legacy. However, the meticulous and hard work I have devoted to the production/creation of music has never been propelled by any reciprocal expectations,” Clevie told the Jamaica Observer. “It was born from a spirit of gratitude; first to God for life, His directions and forging of the right connections and compatible talents for continuity and growth, and, most importantly, the unique talent and gift of expressive feel which cannot be learnt.”

While most dancehall fans identify him with musical partner and keyboardist Wycliffe “Steely” Johnson, Clevie was an established session and touring drummer before they officially became a team in 1985. He was part of the Browne Bunch, a band that included his brothers Glen (bass), Dalton (guitar), Danny (guitar), and Noel on keyboards.

Clevie was also part of the Generation Gap Band which had Freddie McGregor as lead singer.

As a session musician, he worked at Studio One backing Johnny Osbourne on the seminal Truth And Rights album. He and Steely played on Nadine Sutherland’s first song, Starvation On The Land, as well as Stiff Necked Fools and Trench Town by Bob Marley and The Wailers.

They are largely responsible for dancehall music’s transition from drum and bass to digital beats in the 1980s. Working with producers Lloyd “King Jammy” James and Bobby Digital, Steely and Clevie played on numerous hit songs like Sweet Reggae Music and Run Down The World by Nitty Gritty, Tune In by Cocoa Tea, and Wicked inna Bed by Shabba Ranks.

Starting their own label, the hot streak continued. They produced Stop Loving You and Prophecy by Freddie McGregor; You Don’t Love Me (No, No, No) by Dawn Penn, Love Is The Answer (Garnet Silk), and Call The Hearse (Bushman).

“We had a vision for advancing the music using technology, and we had a similar taste for sound,” said Clevie of his partnership with Steely, who died in 2009. “Above everything, we valued each other and respected each other.”

Steely and Clevie’s impact on dancehall music will be acknowledged during the Grammy Certificate Ceremony to be hosted by Back 2 Da Future Music Limited and the Royalty Network Inc on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Audi Showroom.

The duo Steely (left) and Clevie.