KEITH POPPIN RELEASES NEW SINGLE ‘TEAR DOWN THE GATE’
The veteran singer is back with a roots reggae anthem – distributed by VPAL.
Velvet-voiced Jamaican singer Keith Poppin releases his latest single Tear Down The Gate.
Written and produced by Keith, Tear Down The Gate is a sweltering roots rock reggae anthem that recalls the era of his 1970s classics like Hold Not Thy Peace.
Over a hypnotic major key riddim, reminiscent of Burning Spear’s Old Marcus Garvey, Keith calls on all right-minded people to “tear down the gate of Babylon”.
In the midst of world turmoil and crisis, the message could not be more timely. As Keith sings “Many will sing this song. Even in a strange land”.
Known for his distinctive rich, smooth tone and incredible showmanship on stage, Keith Smith, aka Keith Poppin has been active in Jamaican music since the late 1960s. He first recorded as part of the harmony group The Robins, then joined the Rocking Horse.
As a solo singer he scored a hit in 1973 with Same Thing For Breakfast, released by Lloyd Campbell. He cut two highly acclaimed albums for producer Phil Pratt: Envious in 1975 and Pop Inn in 1977. He then moved into self-production, working with executive producer Charles Reid for the 1979 album More Of Keith Poppin, which includes the haunting roots classic Hold Not Thy Peace.
Keith also sang backing vocals on Niney The Observer’s infamous Blood and Fire, as well as Pat Kelly’s They Talk About Love. It was Pat Kelly and Slim Smith who named him “Keith Poppin”.
In 1993 Keith migrated to the USA where he has been based ever since. In 2021 Keith was given the AV Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to music.
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