Like many Jamaicans who tuned into radio during the 1970’s, Ian Sweetness developed an eclectic taste in music. Reggae was the main staple, but American country and soul and British pop were also part of his diet.
Recently, the singer covered two personal favorites, reggae style. We Thank Thee, originally done by American country singer Jim Reeves; and If I Only Had Time, a yearning ballad from New Zealander John Rowles.
Sweetness, who lives in Los Angeles, said he first pitched the songs to Jamaican producers in the 1980’s but they showed little interest.
“Sometimes yuh have a song an’ yuh feel it’s gonna hit but di producer bus’ yuh bubble an’ sey, ‘dis naah work’. Now mi have di access to do these songs I draw fi dem an’ do it myself,” he said.
He produced his version of We Thank Thee for his Audio Sweetness label, while If I Only Had Time was recorded for Big Nail Music, a British company.
Ian Sweetness was born Ian Heywood and grew up in east Kingston. Early in his career, he recorded for producers like Hyman “Jah Life” Wright, best known for directing Barrington Levy on hit songs such as Black Roses and Murderer.
In the 1990’s, Sweetness cut songs for several producers including Donovan Germain whose Penthouse Records was making waves at the time with Buju Banton, Wayne Wonder, Beres Hammond and Marcia Griffiths.
Moving to the United States in 1996, Sweetness did stints in New York and South Florida before settling in Southern California.
Despite the Coronavirus, he has maintained a steady recording regimen. Another of his recent songs is the patriotic Sweet Jamaica, produced by Lloyd “Jah Lloyd” Shaw of Issachar Muzik.
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