This is the sixth in an eight part series.

IN the 1970s, Carl Malcolm rode Jamaican charts with easylistening songs like Miss Wire Waist, Fatty Bum Bum and No Jestering.

These days, the singer does most of his performing in the eastern United States with his family band, Positive Vibration, which includes his wife and sons.

“We are very popular in the Washington, Maryland and Virginia areas,” Malcolm told the Jamaica Observer.

Malcolm has lived in the US since the late-1970s. He says political violence forced him to leave Jamaica.

“Where I live (in Papine) was getting bad and I had the opportunity to tour and a better life in the States,” he said.

Plus, Randy’s, the record company which produced and distributed his music, had evolved into VP Records and he was unable to record for other producers.

Malcolm says he has not turned his back on his homeland. In fact, he travels to Jamaica regularly for recording sessions.

“I have just not performed on the stage,” he said.

Malcolm recalls his last performance in Jamaica was about 10 years ago at the popular Heineken Startime oldies series, held at Mas Camp in New Kingston.

His last album, Signs and Wonders, was released last year and contains tracks such as If You Don’t, Rise and Shine and Roller Coaster.

He says his son produces most of his new songs at their home studio in Maryland.

Born in St Elizabeth, Malcolm relocated to Kingston in the 1960s to pursue a music career. His quest led him to Clement ‘Coxson’ Dodd, who produced his first song, Father Free Us.

He got the big break in 1973 when, accompanied by the Skin, Flesh and Bones band, he recorded No Jestering which did well in Britain when released two years later.

Other rib-tickling songs such as Miss Wire Waist and Fatty Bum Bum followed.

Carl Malcolm plans to visit Jamaica soon for sessions with bass player Lloyd Parks.

— Cecelia Campbell- Livingston