Last Updated on April 18, 2026, 1:48 PM AST by Anthony Morris
Ernie Smith the legendary Jamaican singer-songwriter of the 1970s died shortly after a heart attack at the age of 80. He passed away on Thursday, 16 April 2026 at the University of Miami Hospital.
Claudette Bailey Smith, his wife, shared the cause of his death with the media. According to her, Smith was admitted to hospital on 7 April and underwent a surgery after his two days of hospitalization. His manager Joanna Marie Robison confirmed his death to the media on 17 April, 2026.
His wife stated that his surgery went successful but due to his age doctor’s put him in observation Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and in his final days he was on a ventilator.
Ernie Smith was born in Kingston in May 1945 and raised in St. Ann and May Pen. His musical journey began early, as he was inspired by his father who played guitar and at the age of 12 his father bought him his first instrument.
After completing his education at Yorke Castle High School in St. Ann, Jamaica, he played guitar in The Vandals In Claremont. Smith chose a career as a radio announcer before turning into a songwriter and recording at Federal Studios.
He was renowned for his deep and smooth baritone voice, timeless contributions in reggae and folk music.
In the late 1960s Smith had his first breakthrough with his tracks including Bend Down, Ride on Sammy, One Dream and Pitta Patta, which later became one of his signature songs.
Moreover, most of his songs were recorded at Federal Records owned by the Khouri Family. In 1972 a major international milestone came in his life when Life Is Just For Living won the Yamaha Music Festival in Japan.
In the field of Music Smith was recognised with Jamaica’s Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service in 1973. In the mid-1970s he migrated to Canada due to growing political tension, also in the 1990s, he returned to Jamaica and continued to write and record new songs.
Over time he became a familiar figure on the live music circuit once again. Additionally, last year Smith and Ed Robinson recorded a version of Pitta Patta which entered the South Florida reggae charts
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
