I'm not a big reggae fan. I've always preferred the more upbeat and dancable ska sounds. But when you combine the smooth island sound with soul music there is something special in the mix. Dennis Brown, the "crown prince" of reggae, did just that -- and as a teen-ager. He was a verifiable reggae sensation in the seventies before he was ever of an age to do anything remotely adult. In 1978 he sang "Money in My Pocket" and it was silky smooth. His career was set by that and other international hits, and he continued to maintain his status as a senior statesman in the reggae music world. Sadly he died of a drug overdose in the late 90s, barely 40 years of age.
