Leroy Smart interview [UNCUT]

One of Jamaica’s most prolific artists-- and compelling personalities-- sat down with Reggae historian Steve Barrow in 1995 to tell his no-holds-barred side of the story. And what a story. The focus, naturally, is on his 1976 hit “Ballistic Affair”, a track that perfectly captured the state of the (warring) nation, set to a powerful new take on the “College Rock” rhythm. He extemporises, philosophises, defines a “don”, and gives his version of a notorious incident.
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The Palm Channel will present some of the highlights from our catalogue, an eclectic mix of original short films, interviews from our archives exploring the roots and branches of Jamaican music, and much more.
Created by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell (Bob Marley, U2, Grace Jones etc.). Palm Pictures has always pushed musical boundaries and encouraged unlikely collaborations. Since the late 90's it has been a leader in the convergence of music and film, producing and distributing music documentaries, arthouse & foreign cinema, and music videos.

[@cperkins172]

I love this guy……misunderstood him in the early years….today i cannot get enough of his music. Wish him all the best as he continues on his journey.

[@garycritesr957]

I was lucky enough to tour with Leroy Smart in I believe in 1980 or 81 and he has stayed true to his words . I was the Singer/guitarist for a band called Melting Pot we opened for him and we were his backup band . We wrote our own material but after working with Leroy he and his music changed my life forever. He is correct that music is missing the purity and conscience that reggae had in the the early years. It was like a religious experience the beautiful vibe came directly from God thru the words we were from San Diego and Leroy taught us the real spiritual truth . Thank you Leroy Smart !

[@jeo2343]

True words respect. Well said amen 🙏

[@trevordawson3037]

I hope that Leroy has made some good achievement, mainly first like a decent home and a couple businesses,

[@reggaeflex]

I first met Leroy Smart in Jamaica in 1976 and he immediately earned my respect. As a young artist he had an entourage consisting of his bredren. He was doing a performance at a festival on the Turtle Tower Beach, St. Ann's. One thing stood out about my bredren Leroy; He had a way of ensuring that he got paid. Honour and Raspect Mr. Smart.

[@michaeltoner1993]

Jah Wonderful!

[@goodtobecaring4035]

Representable, articulate, super talented, handsome and highly intelligent = LEROY SMART Love this man!

[@iricaja]

We love our legends Leroy, Alton, John etc etc. Be blessed my brother. Well spoken.

[@joanrobinson9394]

Trust me Sir Leroy Smart u r always be respected by many of us u r a singer of substance u have class integrity and high moral values I always admire u and how carry yourself I wish the younger generation could see this interview and take a lesson or two u r a good role model love 💕 and respect u always your message is priceless 😍

[@doneatta]

Out standing, hard working, telling it like it is ..LEROY SMART one of the greats his contribution to reggae and his skanking moves legendary..you are truly blessed. Balistic Affair.

[@sandybradshaw1879]

That’s an excellent point! That’s why Bob opened his own studio and had his own producers!!! Many “REDUCERS & MIS-MANAGERS!!! Selfish people who treat Artists badly!!! That’s why Artists Must have their own Lawyers!!! Handle their own Royalties!!!

[@crochethooker9822]

Legend!! The best of us! If you dont play a piece a Mr Smart in you party..you party or you dance noh ready. His music says it all. The People know it and that is all that matters.💣💣💣💣

[@yardieting6488]

Mr. Smart you will always be the talk of the town, and every time that I see you, me never yet feeling down. Thank you for being a wonderful part of my childhood throughout my teenage years. Waves of tranquility and blessings in abundance, my good Sir.

[@staffordcoley1671]

Yardie Ting you

[@eddiehumphries7427]

?Yardie Ting

[@jonah1565]

Some ah talk bout friend, big tune by Leroy Don Smart, bless up Mr. Smart!

[@ptangyangkipperbang3295]

Big respect to this man. Fantastic voice and talent.You is the Don .

[@pinkrose1438]

I has one word for Leroy Smart. I love you although we never met💝! You music is an inspiration to my life. "Ballistic afair" Lots of respect to you! May the love of God bless and guide you with long life, good health, peace of mind and a smooth journey for the rest of your life!

[@INEVERKNEWTV]

Give thanks for this historical interview with the 'DON' Leroy Smart.. He does not get the due credit he deserves as a singer, songwriter, and performer...

[@mcleo9935]

I NEVER KNEW TV that's so damn truth.he has song some good songs over the year.he is a true legend and icon.and pays his dues very well in the music undustry.he should be more recognized.and he is still looking the same.'A DE truth man.badness no pay.'

[@ursulacoleycoley9298]

I NEVER KNEW

[@anthonycheesey8784]

Regea

[@TheNaps9]

What an ambassador of the craft. always presents himaelf well.

[@marlonisbackreadyformorewh5214]

Yeah I remember ballistic affairs when I was youth I always watch where it's at every Saturday to see these artists especially Leroy Smart was one of my fav to see perform live those days Jah bless

[@user-uo9px5hw7x]

I watch you in 1980's and 1990's even in the 2020's powerful messages in his songs ❤❤❤❤ blessings my brother respect

[@sandybradshaw1879]

I used to enjoy his songs when I was growing up. He is very persistent and inspirational!🎸🎶🙏

[@rhoancampbell285]

Leroy Smart did some of the best songs in the 70's i remember living in Jones town hearing him along with Cornel Campbell & other great singers.

[@tiamaria44]

So brilliant and eloquent. Love so Smart!

[@sandybradshaw1879]

Powerful Singing at the end🔥🇯🇲🎶🙏

[@hermanbenbow5363]

my favorite singer of all time in reggae music

[@lawrencenjawe1935]

Leroy Smart just said this himself: Respect to the Great Don, Bob Marley.

[@harrisp07]

One love Mr Smart and I am very proud to see Jamaican artists stand up and let these outrageous killers destroying our beautiful island,it’s sad!

[@solitaircloud2319]

Best song by a great Jamaican Icon, Leroy Smart. The old politicians in Jamaica brought all this destruction and division to our country.

[@georgebrown8142]

As for me Leroy is the Don. An will always B this man created his own style an no one can take it from him.

[@pallum96]

My favourite singer his songs sill give me goose bumps after listening him for over 25 years

[@103KINKY]

lemmieatit are you fo real?

[@annetteb2473]

Respect to d Don. Mr. Leroy Smart. Well spoken like d true Don e is. Blessed Love to all d sufferer's who made something of their lives. It's how u live, not where u live.

[@thewiz369]

Very Very unique voice one of my favorite singer not to mention his dancing movies.

[@miztri]

An icon, great legend back when music was music. Where has reggae/dancehall gone.

[@mariejackson3991]

love you Leroy Smart good conscious li risks everytime.

[@goodtobecaring4035]

Many wrongs have been done on many artists with bad money dealings with producers! This story has been said by many big artists i.e. Dennis Brown, Toots, etc...

[@porche_]

Who still watching? 4am n I cant go to sleep bcaz I start watching. First of all....put the music aside for a bit. WHERE ARE THE YOUNG PEOPLE? WHERE ARE THE YOUNG GUNMEN? UNNO HEAR HOW THIS BIG MAN HAVE MANNERS?? Gracious me. The man brought up good. Young people, older folks are very important even if they cannot explain themselves to the fullest.....we are educated so we can process it and understand it.

[@patsiebentley111]

Bless up Leroy !

[@goodshall6382]

Big up . These music should play with world and wide. Yes God bless you .God never help him self .Amen jah jah

[@MrKwodsonikpunk]

I love this mans Voice! Ballistic affair!

[@pickaxebkacolonelpk2984]

This man LeRoy smart is one of the realist the original Don when grope of us always walking up and down from studio to study he always given us money and educate us not to spend money and smoking he said if he was a smoker he went have.money to give us all some them who a million year today a whole a Mr smart money they beg him and bank it off me.just a realize say a that them used to do. Big up. Mr.smart you is a great man .

[@fashhandhostrecords1673]

Nuff respect Leroy Don Smart, you are one of my roll model.

[@joanrobinson9394]

Oh by the way u r my brother favorite artist of all times and u r one of mine I am going to send this interview him and some others love 💕 and these younger artist should listen to u

[@omoniyikaye]

A legend right there.

[@keithjames8713]

Mr(Leroy one of a Kind Smart),a lot of your music played at the Tropics night club (Dumfries Road, in Kingston), not sure I did any justice to the spelling of that word but I used to be a patron there. Singers like you are the pinnacle of reggae, dance hall and lovers rock. It's the envied combination of a Genre ( Jamaican Music Hat trick)uncommonly mastered by most Jamaican entertainers and to which you continuously dominate. Anyone can go on stage be a jumping Jack and make noise.I am amazed so many Jamaicans find that kind of activity on stage entertaining but I have never been one of the masses. On Stage, "I rate good vocals, its presentation and performance" as compared to disgusting noise and an avalanche of bullshit.There was once a time in Jamaica when there were so many great artist like yourself that there was no need to filter today's audio and digital input as conscious people do.True entertainers today in my opinion are a dying breed and should be preserved like a specie going extinct: Message to Mr Smart >>>>>>> Big Salute

[@sinclairpalmer1005]

Well said!

[@marsharamdatt155]

Bless up Don.Smart.....give thanks fi di reasoning ....beg yuh two a di apple dem nuh....since noone else naah beg...and uunu naah get none...bless ❤❤❤❤❤di I dem self....Ballistic Affair!!!!!!

[@nigelanderson6865]

REALLY, ONE OF MY FAVORITE ARTIST.

[@56postoffice]

The original Article Don! Big up for the post! Great singer, so many classic tunes.

[@juniorgemini8076]

mr smart nuff respect for this interview

[@cedriccampbell6616]

Well spoken Leroy. They have gone astray, they have no love in their soul.

[@diegogeneral1217]

Real talk, some of these filthy songs is corrupting the youths and the country. Well spoken Leroy

[@Olieats]

My name is SMART too but you re the Don of Don's thanks for the truth and beauty. Respect

[@bailey9746]

One of my favourite singers ever

[@ceeblest1841]

Leroy Smart Izzy Powerhouse Don. Beeg ups and nuff respect.

[@kevinbrown4958]

a real legend 👍🇯🇲

[@pinkrose1438]

P.s. your music was the best thing that happen in our generation, including others musician along side you. Never again can those days and time can return. Dancehall was magic. Place one would plan to go without hesitation. Love ya!

[@GabrieleAlba]

big respect to the Don, great artist from JA

[@stmatthewreadyback]

I like how he is well spoken...and conscious

[@muni8503]

Best of the best Leroy don smart

[@brianbrown4166]

Real authentic Mr smart big up

[@blairboyd3379]

Leroy Smart it was a good interview,I shared the same sentiment about your views about the producers robbing the singers back in those days.Saying that the song is no good,then months after it was on the streets playing everywhere.That is why there was a conflict between the singers, and the producers back in those days.You are one of my singer,I know of a fact that people useto a lot of bullshit against you.But I like the way you keep your head above the water, just keep doing your thing.

[@tataniatate3924]

Nuff respect Mr Smart 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲💖💖💖

[@Hihitsi]

Great to hear him talk as well as his singing 😎

[@julietpaul2590]

Big up to u Mr Smart the first time I met you I was working at the Regal Theater and u came to see the manager Mr. George B Wallace Mr Happy Chung Mr. Winston Chung their father and another brother was in control of the Regal theater u really brought back some good memories

[@Bushman1083]

Great interview Don smart.Ballistic. affairs is on of my favorite all time tune large up mi breda.

[@jamaicanupsound1394]

DON SMART I MAN LOVE THE INTERVIEW OUT A VIEW LONG LIVE DON SMART..

[@winstonpusey4562]

mr smart bless up your music will always live on

[@DorretteGYoung]

Dancehall to me is a natural progression. Our music has evolved from mento to ska to rock steady to dub to dancehall, and we can go back to anyone of them at anytime.

[@lawrencenjawe1935]

Good it's called rediscovering your past identity. The same goes for all genres of music, even pop, rock and R&b

[@lennoxhemmings7175]

Nuff blessing to you the reall Don

[@rasakkurate]

One don no boy can’t tell mi nothing ☝🏽💯🔊🔥🔥🔥

[@fairbanklinton7010]

One of the best interviews .you ar the reel Dan.

[@ogolojoshd2483]

Very best comments, is Reggae Clean up. Good talks Man Respect. Somemany wrong Music in Our Reggae. But , We Root men and women. Will never let it Die.

[@mitziemcbean8878]

Respect Sir Leroy Smart

[@sandrasmith6963]

Mama Liza...i love ur daughter..i love his voice..big up Mr. Smart.

[@royexcellentalexander8308]

Dead stamp of my life time friend from Jamaica school of art Mr Carlton Bryan

[@David_Smith]

Leroy Smart should put out an album with his dancehall songs instead of conscious albums all the time.

[@veronicataylor9037]

Iove nuff love ❤️🙏

[@superb63amg94]

Leroy Smart the Don. Nuff respect!

[@pantonmuenchen854]

BlessUp King!!!!!!!

[@davidcalvin4659]

guidance and protection Leroy smart

[@billspencer8053]

Nuff respect to mr. Smart nice to hear you clear up what happened between you and count shelly back in the day I remember hearing about it

[@MCH-959]

Yes, Leroy Smart!!!! Lay down de law. What I would pay to come to and old school concert with him as the main artist.❤🙏🏾🌄😎✊🏽

[@karamokanyi]

Real man that the singer 🔥🔥🔥🎉

[@justyna4276]

This is why I love KZbin, Big up Palm

[@delroywellington2426]

Real artiste Mr Leroy Smart

[@SuperReasonabledoubt]

Yeah man, mr.Smart .uplift the art

[@terigee5154]

PALM Pictures thanks for putting these interviews up for all us reggae music lovers of stars and producers here and those no longer with us.Raspect to the max.Tell dem Leroy nuff producer out deh a rip arf artist.I wonder if a Don Letts a ask some a di questions inna di back ground deh??:-D

[@mcleo9935]

Teri Gee yes respect to palm.for these videos.

[@audrelynberrick2321]

You are a great singer.

[@barbaraglover4451]

big up u self Leroy Smart

[@emiledaley3]

Yeah man!Leroy Wise ...original Don!

[@tannydeediamond3713]

I use to listen to Mr Leroy smart songs when I was a little girl

[@sandrawillis1334]

I was introduced to Leroy Smarts singing style through his tune "pride and ambition" With big youth toasting . I used to try and practice that style of singing on my cassette and recorder 😄- also "God helps the man" Those days have gone but the tunes and memories remain. Nice to remeber🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@conquerorthefirst]

Honour 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@terencemccants197]

Big Respec to The Don Leroy Smart.

[@jackpayton5065]

Very concious.

[@margarettemullings2527]

NOTED❗

[@guysmith885]

Leroy di Don big mi artist mad

[@jefferyhutchins5573]

One i a million

[@haroldbrown7930]

good history respect Mr smart

[@jackie9600]

Icon

[@nooka1682]

Don Smart a great icon of reggae music. Did so much hit song, he don't get the credit by this generation really. I remember my father jamming on the turntable to some Don Smart, real skanking music.

[@estivansamuels2812]

NOOKA fsjjfssijv gu

[@81Soundz]

Wicked!!!!

[@georgemystic7797]

one love Don

[@hermanbenbow5363]

the best Singer in is time the Don Leroy smart

[@roygenius2181]

Big up Leroy smart you will be miss

[@blazecampfire9694]

I Remember when you use to come check my don ducky wabbles in max field park bless up don smart one don 🔥🔥🔥