Ernie Smith, a Jamaican singer-songwriter, is currently in critical condition at a hospital in Florida. This was confirmed by his wife, Claudette Bailey Smith, who spoke to Observer Online. She stated that he was admitted on April 7. Furthermore, he is in the Intensive Care Unit following a surgical procedure.
Bailey Smith disclosed that her husband was hospitalized due to a medical issue that needed correction. He underwent surgery two days after being admitted. Although the procedure was successful, he remains heavily sedated and is currently on a ventilator.
Ernie Smith, who will turn 81 in May, is recognized for his easy-listening reggae classics like “Pitta Patta,” “Duppy Gunman,” and “Life Is Just for Living.” These songs were recorded in the 1970s at Federal Records. At that time, he was the primary artist.
He had other hits such as “I For Jesus” and “Sunday Coming Down.” This was before he moved to Canada in the late 1970s.
Ernie Smith returned to Jamaica in the 1990s and became a popular attraction on the live show scene.
In late 2025, Ernie Smith and fellow singer Ed Robinson recorded a version of “Pitta Patta.” That song entered the South Florida reggae chart.
Ernie Smith, born Glenroy Anthony Michael Archangelo Smith, May 1945, in Kingston, Jamaica but grew up in St Ann.
Ernie is a reggae singer who is widely known for his deep baritone voice. His music career began in the late 1960s with “Ride on Sammy,” followed by “Bend Down.” In addition to singing and writing, Ernie Smith also plays the guitar.
In 1972, Ernie Smith achieved a significant breakthrough when his song “Life is Just For Living” won the Yamaha Music Festival in Japan. This success opened doors for other artists at Federal Records. For example, it helped Ken Lazarus and Pluto Shervington.
Let’s send up prayers for Ernie and wish him a speedy recovery. To his wife we say, ‘Stay strong’.