One of Jamaica’s most conscious Reggae singers has decided to drop the mike after 50 years.
Legendary conscious Reggae singer and songwriter Max Romeo has announced his retirement. Romeo, 78, made the announcement via his Facebook page.
MAX Romeo (Maxwell Smith) was born in the parish of St Ann. He started his music career in 1965. He came to prominence as the lead singer of the Emotions.
Three years later, Romeo found his first hit in Wet Dream. Wet Dream became a hit in the UK. His fan base grew exponentially during the 1970s. Romeo would have recorded a series of cutting-edge songs for producers Bunny Lee and Lee “Scratch” Perry. Those included Let The Power Fall, Macabee Version, Chase The Devil, War Ina Babylon, and One Step Forward.
Max Romeo was one of the artists who performed on the 1971 music bandwagon that helped bring Michael Manley and the People’s National Party to power in Jamaica in February 1972.
I fondly remember my first tour in the UK in the late 1960s until my last year in Europe. I have performed worldwide and received nothing but love from you all. At 78 years old, I thank the most high that I am still healthy and able to say farewell to you all – the right way.
Max Romeo
In April, I will release an album to commemorate my
journey with all the music you know and love featuring some special guests. I will also be doing a farewell tour to pay my respects. It might be the end of an era for me, but reggae music will live on, and to embrace this, I have invited @azizziromeo and @xanaromeo along to showcase all I have taught them about roots. I call it “The Romeo Effect.”
Please tag me in photos/videos of your favorite memory from a show.
Thanks again for everything! And look out for more information and dates near you!
Love,
Max