Lady Ann
Barbara Smith, better known as Lady Ann, was the second child of Verona Dacres, and was born in Jubilee, and raised in Western Kingston (also known as Kingston 13). Lady Ann’s first music experiences included listening to, and sneaking into, local roots reggae dancehall sessions circa 1975-1977, featuring sound systems like Black Harmony and Soulatonie.
Lady Ann’s closest musical cohorts in these early days were Little John and Ranking Toyan. Little John is credited to be the first artist to pass the mic to Lady Ann, circa 1978, during a dancehall session held by the original Kilimanjaro sound system.
Other artists which Lady Ann grew up with and was influenced by in these early days include Clint Eastwood, Ranking Dillinger, Trinity, Ranking Joe, Louie Lepkie, Michigan & Smiley, Barry Brown, and Sugar Minott. Lady Ann and these artists would work out on sounds including Stereophonic, Metromedia, Gemini Disco, Lee’s Unlimited, and Romantic HiFi, as well as Kilimanjaro.Lady Ann began her professional music career in 1978, recording her first songs, Plan Your Family (a combination with Ranking Toyan), as well as Shine Eye Boy, for Don Mais’ Roots Tradition Label. In 1980, Leon Synmoie invited her to record several songs for the Thrill Seekers label, which ended up as part of her debut album, Vanity (released on the Alvin Ranglin’s GG’s label, which also included the hit single Sataap). Then, in 1981, Lady Ann then teamed with producer Blackbeard to record the song Husband & Wife on the Mr. Tipsy Label.
Between, 1981-1982, Lady Ann enjoyed her biggest commercial success up to that date with her song Informer, produced by the legendary Joe Gibbs (as well as an LP by the same name). This song stormed up the local charts, with the song Informer going to #1 single, and the Informer LP going to #1 album in Jamaica. This was history in the making, as Lady Ann was the first female DJ to have a #1 single, as well as the first to have a #1 album. The success of Informer helped to swing her career into high gear, and its popularity led to major international exposure, including tours of the United States, Canada, and the Cayman Islands. Lady Ann’s third LP, Connection, produced by Eric Bubbles (of the African Brothers), was also released at this time (1982-1983). In addition, Lady Ann’s popularity surged to new heights in 1983, when she was named Jamaica’s first female DJ of the year. After enjoying these successes, she continued to record for the cream of the crop of Jamaica's producers/labels, including Jah Thomas (Midnight Rock), Sly & Robbie (Taxi), Henry “Junjo” Lawes (Volcano), Bunny “Striker” Lee, Jah Life, and Shocking Vibes. Up to this date, Lady Ann has over sixty songs to her credit, including three full length albums. Lady Ann has also graced the stage at music festivals including Sting, Reggae Sum fest, Reggae Carifest, Irie Jamboree, Westchester Reggae Fest, and Hot Shot.
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