The first time Mikie Bennett heard a song he wrote played on the radio he shelved his ambitions of a corporate career. That song was Irons In The Fire, recorded in 1980 by Home T 4, the group in which he was a member.

“I had to pull over. My arms were shaking. It was a thing, like, ‘I want more of this, I need this. This is what I want to live for,’ ” he recalled.

Bennett has lived for music since then, establishing himself as a songwriter/producer for major acts like Dennis Brown, Maxi Priest, Shabba Ranks, Cocoa Tea, and J C Lodge.

His work have been recognised by the Jamaican Government, which has made him a member of the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer class for his contribution to the music industry.

When he was informed of the national honour, Bennett said two people instantly came to mind — his mother, Ivy Bennett, and his aunt Amy Picart, her sister.

Ivy Bennett was a literature teacher, who encouraged her son to read more, which nurtured his love for writing.

Amy Picart was a librarian with a meticulous nature, who later managed his Grafton recording studio in east Kingston.

Bennett says while he has received music industry awards, it is not on the same level as national recognition.

“When I got the phone call it was a feeling I wasn’t prepared for; it was a different kind of excitement. A wonderful feeling,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

A Kingston College (KC) graduate, Bennett seemed destined for a conventional nine-to-five job after tertiary studies in business administration from West Indies Teachers’ College (now Northern Caribbean University).

But his music career thrived during the 1980s and 1990s, considered by music pundits as the most creative period in dancehall music.

Veteran musician Mikie Bennett entertains children with Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds.Karl Mclarty

He co-wrote several of that era’s biggest hit songs, including Temptress (Maxi Priest); Housecall, Mr Loverman (Shabba Ranks); Pirates Anthem (Home T, Cocoa Tea, Shabba Ranks); Can You (Brian and Tony Gold); and Telephone Love by J C Lodge.

Bennett was raised in Vineyard Town, a middle-class community. His neighbours included the Chung brothers, Geoffrey and Mikey, who were respected session musicians/producers.

His biggest musical influence, however, was producer Gussie Clarke, another KC old boy who operated the Music Works label and studio.

Bennett credits Clarke with showing him the business side of things, including publishing and the importance of assembling a solid production team.

In the 1990s, Bennett also worked with producers Lloyd “King Jammy” James, Steely and Clevie, and Bobby Digital. Those associations were also invaluable.

“Jammys has golden ears, but the day-to-day guidance came from Bobby Digital. They knew who they were recording music for. They knew the kind of rhythms the people wanted. And they knew the communication style to reach them,” said Bennett. “They also knew how to take a chance with something different.”

Mikie Bennett is one of nine music industry figures who will receive national honour and awards.

Guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith, singer Stranger Cole (posthumously), producer Robert Livingston, and deejay Mr Vegas, will also receive the OD (Officer Class).

Percussionists Norman “Bongo Herman” Davis and Lawrence “Larry” McDonald; Carlyle Palmer, co-founder of Jet Star Records in the United Kingdom; and Shirley Findley-Willis, are recipients of the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service.

Though the assignments take effect on Independence Day, August 6, the annual Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards will this year take place on National Heroes’ Day on October 19 at King’s House in St Andrew.