Countless artistes have covered Fever, Peggy Lee’s sultry version being the most famous. American rock singer Maia The Toad is the latest act to take on the classic ballad with the guidance of a reggae veteran.

Her rendition was released in late November. It is produced by Errol Bennett, best known as General Smiley of Papa Michigan and General Smiley fame.

Maia The Toad cut her version on a revised Studio One rhythm on which Horace Andy did his version of Fever over 40 years ago. She told the Jamaica Observer that it was General Smiley’s idea to go that route.

“He knew exactly what he wanted, and I am just honoured that part of his vision was to have me on the track. I already knew the song as the legendary Peggy Lee’s version, and was more than excited to try revamping it in a new way, because it is such an iconic song from an iconic artiste. My big goal was to make Peggy Lee fans and reggae people from all over the world share a positive experience together when listening to the song,” said the California-based musician.

This is Maia The Toad’s second crack at reggae, having done a song called Planet Jam for Nebular, her 2019 album.

While Peggy Lee’s version is the most famous, Fever was first recorded in 1956 by blues singer Little Willie John. Two years later, Lee recorded it in big band style with added lyrics.

Horace Andy’s version was a dancehall hit in Jamaica, as well as in reggae pockets throughout Europe.

Maia The Toad was raised in Tucson, Arizona. With her father being a musician, she listened to different genres, including reggae, pointing to the Marleys, Protoje, and Blvk h3ro as some of her favourite acts.

She is one of several artistes in the Golden State General Smiley has worked with for his RuffCompany Records. Along with Papa Michigan, the veteran deejay scored several hit songs during the late 1970s and 1980s with Rub A Dub Style, Nice up The Dance and Diseases.