Willie Francis (singer)
Willie Francis was born Wilbert Francis on 18 March 1943 in Farm District in South Manchester, Jamaica. He is a Ska/Reggae singer who came to prominence in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s. He is known for hits such as "Oh What a Mini'", a top ten hit in the Jamaican charts. His other notable songs include "Ripe Sour Sop" and "I'm Going to Change Everything".[1]
Willie Francis was also a producer and is responsible for recording famous reggae singer Cocoa Tea's first song "Searching the Hills" in 1974.[2] Willie Francis' song "Motherless Children" is featured on Disc 2 of the "Trojan Skinhead Reggae Box Set CD".
Willie Francis worked in England in the late 1970s, and lived in Canada for a number of years before returning to Jamaica. Not much has been heard from the singer recently, however it is believed he will be trying to reignite his career despite the number of years being out of the spotlight.
Willie Francis' former lover and mother of his three children was the former partner of the late Dennis Brown who was with him until his demise in 1999.
References
- ↑ CAMION BLANC: JAMAICA SESSION Tome 1 Yannick Maréchal ". des Rude Reggae : « Action Wood », « Sexing Time » sur le « Break Your Behind » de Willie Francis et « Pussy Juck » sur le riddim du « Ripe Sour Sop » de Willie Francis paru en 1973."
- ↑ Article on Cocoa Tea