Songwriter, singer, and guitarist, Neville Francis, was born in St Thomas, Jamaica; And grew
up in Snow Hill, Portland, until age fourteen when he relocated with his family to Jones
Town. In Jones Town, Francis was exposed to the musically nurturing and artistically
vibrant environment that is Kingston 12, and quickly began learning to play the guitar and
to sing back-up vocals.
It was probably these early experiences which led to a short stint as
a back-up singer with icon, Monty Morris. His initial studio recordings took place at the
legendary Studio One recording studio singing back-up for Belltones lead singer, Trevor
Shields. In the early 70’s the artist emigrated to Toronto, Canada, and eventually met
musical stalwart,
Jo Jo Bennet, who became teacher and mentor to the budding guitarist
and backup vocalist. It was at Bennett’s, Sattalite music school, that teacher convinced pupil
to start singing lead-vocals. When Jo Jo Bennet subsequently decided to form a professional
band-The Sattalites- he invited Francis to become a member. Francis established himself as
a writer, co-lead singer, and back-up vocalist on several of the band’s recordings. In 1993
Francis relocated to Buffalo, New York, and soon co-founded the band, Strictly Riddim
which quickly became one of the area’s most proficient reggae bands. His solo CD was
released in 2003 and he continues to live in the Buffalo area fronting his new band, The
Riddim Posse. The beat goes on.
Neville Francis on left, George Olmsted on right
