Biography

Lady Ann was born Barbara Smith in Jubilee and lived in Kingston 13. She started deejaying in 1978 and her first singles where »Plan Your Family« with Toyan (1979 on Jah Guidance) and »Shine Eye Boy« (1980 on Errol Mais Roots Tradition label).

In 1980 she met up with Leon Symoie who invited her to record a couple of songs for his Thrill Seekers label - this resulted in her debut album Vanity (released on Alvin Ranglins GG's label) and the hit single »Sataap«. In 1981 she met with the produced Blackbeard to record the song »Husband and Wife« on the [Mr. Tipsy] label. Also in '81 she would record what was to become her greatest hit to date - the song »Informer« that also was the title of her second album (productions by Joe Gibbs). The single and albums where both #1 hits in Jamaica and thus Ann was the first female deejay to achieve this. Her success lead to her touring USA and Canada.

She also released two rather obscure albums during the early 80's. The eponymous album Lady Ann (1) in '82 - produced by Eric Bubbles (of African Brothers) and A True Me(2) on the Canadian label Rocktone in 1983. In 1983 she was named Jamaica's first female DJ of the year. She was interviewed in the book Reggae Inna Dance Hall Style. In 1984 she featured on the track »Bossa Nova« on the Peter Metro album Peter Metro & Friends (CSA). She also recorded for produced such as Jah Thomas, Sly Dunbar & Robbie Shakespeare, Junjo, Bunny Lee, Jah Life and Shocking Vibes among others.

In 2008 she released her first new album in several years - Bad Gyal Inna Dance for JumpUp! Records. In 2008 the italian deejay/singer Alborosie did a rework of her classic single »Informer« that sampled the original vocals.

Discography

Albums

Sources

http://www.jumpuprecords.com/jump080.html

(1) http://www.unitedreggae.com/artist/d2322,lady-ann,lady-ann

(2) http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=170156819656&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=007