Born to a musical family - his father George played the guitar, mother Linnette sang, sisters Tezzie, Kay & Jean sing like larks and brothers are instrumentalists- Paul, bass; Peter, sax; Patrick, keyboards. Ernie has also passed on his love for the art to his children, Ojay sings and plays drums, Sahara has excelled in song and dance. Taasha chose the Navy and Seychelle is in college preparing for a Medical career.

His professional musical career began in 1965, when he formed his first band, the Vandals, from among his brothers, sisters and friends. His first recording in 1967 was an original composition, I Can’t Take It. This was later recorded by Johnny Nash as Tears On My Pillow. Four fantastic hits followed, Bend Down , Ride On Sammy, One Dream, and Pitta Patta. He holds the distinction of being the first Jamaican to win an international pop music award for Jamaica (winner of the 3rd World Popular Song Festival, of the Yamaha Foundation for Popular Music- Tokyo 1972, for his presentation of his original composition, Life is Just For Living, ahead of legends like Neil Sedaka), and being the first Jamaican musician in the field of popular music to receive a national honour from his government. The award of the badge of Honour for Meritorious Service, together with his creativity, music and energy boosted his popularity and fame both at home and abroad.

Through his booking agent Ronnie Nasralla, Ernie played Madison Square Garden in 1973, and 1974 The Felt Forum, Engagements in Brazil, other Caribbean territories, the Mid -West, Eastern and Western coasts of the USA, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Holland followed in the next few years. Migration to North America in 1976 was a necessary decision in the aftermath of his controversial hit, "As We Fight One For The Power & The Glory"

Ernie returned home to Jamaica in 1989, after a 13 year exile. He was instantly, back in demand on the hotel circuit, as well as corporate and private functions, gala events, major stage shows and has more than once performed on Reggae Sunsplash. Internationally his recent tours include Belgium, London, the Caribbean, Canada and as far as South Korea, where he once again scored first, bringing Live reggae to Seoul and Muju. Ernie has a love affair with music. He is a gifted songwriter and loves to sing, and delivers a warm, polished show every time.

Over the years, Ernie has maintained that there will be a fusion of reggae with diverse musical styles. He has been proven right. His “Rebel Music” (1974) included in this compilation is nothing short of prophetic.

With Ernie Smith time has no boundary and today, he is as vibrant and fresh as ever and ready to move on through any challenge his musical journey may encounter. This compilation is Ernie’s offering for you, young and old to enjoy, while discovering or rediscovering a different side of Jamaican musicality and versatility.