In a career covering 58 years, Keith Poppin has learned to roll with the changes. On his recent songs, the veteran singer goes for a contemporary feel while staying true to the sound that earned him prominence in the 1970s.

Rocking is the name of Poppin’s latest single, which he produced. It was released on March 23.

“It’s very important to stay in tune with what’s going on, because you want new fans, but at the same time stick with what you know which in my case is live music,” said the North Carolina-based artiste.

A cross-generational cast of musicians backed Poppin on Rocking. They include keyboardist Ansel Collins, best known as the composer of Double Barrel, which topped the British national chart in 1971; guitarist Courtland “Gizmo” White; bassist Paul Madden; and drummer Christopher Tyrell.

The tracks for Rocking were laid in 2025 in Jamaica. While he is not against computerised beats, Poppin believes live recordings ensure longevity.

“It’s the best way! People in America, Europe, Japan, love live music. That’s why yuh still have demand for artistes from di 60’s and 70’s,” he said.

Poppin was one of the folksy singers who emerged in Jamaica during the 1970s. He scored with easy-listening ballads like Same Thing For Breakfast, Envious and Who Are You.

He was also a prolific harmony singer who can be heard on classic songs like Officially by Lloyd Parks, Talk About Love (Pat Kelly), and Storybook Children by Ernest Wilson.

Since moving to the United States in the 1990s, Poppin has kept active as a recording artiste. Several of his recent songs, such as Speak Out and Africa Calling, are strong on social commentary.

— Howard Campbell