Leighton Keith “Pluto” Shervington was a multi-talented Jamaican artist known for his contributions as a reggae musician, singer, audio engineer, and record producer. Born on August 13, 1950, in Saint Andrew Parish, Kingston, Jamaica, Shervington’s career spanned several decades and encompassed a wide range of roles and creative endeavors.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Growing up in Kingston, Shervington developed a passion for music early in life. At just 16 years old, he joined a band called The Presidents in 1966. A year later, his musical journey led him to The Hurricanes, followed by a stint with the show band Tomorrow’s Children. This early experience laid the foundation for Shervington’s future success in the music industry.
Breakthrough and Success
Inspired by the success of Ernie Smith’s “Duppy or a Gunman” and Tinga Stewart’s “Play de Music,” both of which were performed in heavy patois, Shervington decided to follow a similar path. He recorded the track “Ram Goat Liver,” which quickly became popular and even inspired Lee “Scratch” Perry to produce a version with Jimmy Riley.
Following the disbanding of Tomorrow’s Children in 1972, Shervington took a different direction, founding ‘Sound Associates Limited’ in New Kingston. The studio provided services for radio and television advertising and was equipped with a 16-track reel-to-reel recorder and a 24-track mixing board, making it a cutting-edge facility for the time. Shervington’s talent extended to writing and producing jingles for many major advertising agencies.
In 1976, Shervington’s song “Dat,” which humorously depicted a Rastafarian attempting to buy pork covertly to afford marijuana, achieved significant international chart success, reaching number six on the UK Singles Chart. His engaging performance of the song on BBC’s “Top of the Pops” further cemented his popularity.
Notable Works and Collaborations
Throughout his career, Shervington produced several notable singles, including “Your Honour,” which told the story of a man caught in a compromising position in a woman’s closet, and “I Man Born Ya,” recorded at Federal Records (now Tuff Gong) with a talented lineup of musicians, including Val Douglas on bass and Robbie Lyn on piano.
As a producer, Shervington played a key role in the success of tracks such as “Hooray Festival” by Roman Stewart and “Midnight Rider” by Paul Davidson, the latter peaking at number ten on the UK Singles Chart. He also co-produced the disco hit “Dancing to My Own Heartbeat,” which topped the charts in Jamaica.
Life in Miami and Later Years
In the summer of 1977, Shervington relocated to Miami, Florida, where he continued to record and perform. His 1975 track “Your Honour” was reissued in 1982 and became another UK top 20 hit, along with the new recording “No Honour Among Tiefs.” Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Shervington made several notable performances alongside fellow artists like Ernie Smith and Lloyd Charmers at events such as the Pegasus Hotel celebration and the Heineken Startime events.
Shervington remained active in the music scene, frequently performing live in Miami and occasionally returning to Jamaica for special performances. By 2007, he played regularly at venues like Bahama Breeze in Kendall, Florida, and Black Point Marina in Cutler Bay. His performances often included a diverse repertoire, from Bob Marley classics to Eagles' hits and calypso songs.
Legacy and Death
Leighton Keith “Pluto” Shervington passed away on January 19, 2024, at a hospital in Miami due to pneumonia-related complications. He was 73 years old and had been hospitalized since the previous day. Shervington left behind a legacy as a pioneering figure in reggae music, with a career that touched the lives of many. He is survived by his four sons, two daughters, and two grandchildren.
Awards and Recognition
In 2004, Shervington received the “Living Legend” award at King’s House, Jamaica, alongside other prominent artists such as Mighty Sparrow, Ernie Smith, David Rudder, and Ken Lazarus. His band, Pluto & Company, was twice honored with the Caribbean Music Festival award for Florida’s best Caribbean dance band, highlighting Shervington’s impact on the Caribbean music scene.