Throwback 45s: Mickey Simpson – Don’t Cry
The post Throwback 45s: Mickey Simpson – Don’t Cry appeared first on Reggae Vibes.
Black News 
Throwback 45s: Mickey Simpson – Don’t Cry
ARTIST: Mickey Simpson
TITLE: Don’t Cry
LABEL: Fox
YEAR: 1985
Don’t Cry
If you’ve seen Howard Johnson’s ‘Deep Roots’ documentary series from the early ‘80s, you’ll remember the powerful footage of names like Lee “Scratch” Perry, Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Mikey Dread, Mighty Diamonds, and Dennis Brown. But tucked among those giants was a singer chasing his chance: Paul Anthony Simpson, better known as Mickey Simpson.
Filmed in Ocho Rios during an audition for legendary producer and sound system operator Jack Ruby, Mickey appears with guitar in hand, singing Move The Barrier and the heartfelt sufferer’s tune Don’t Cry. It’s a simple moment, but just like Ruby, you can hear the quality straight away.
A few years later, Jack Ruby brought Mickey into Channel One Studio to cut Don’t Cry. And what a line-up backed him: Barnabas on drums, Bagga Walker on bass, Jackie Mittoo and Tyrone Downie on keyboards, with Mickey himself handling rhythm guitar. The track was mixed at Harry J Studio and released on Ruby’s Fox label.
And there was more in the vault. Mickey actually recorded a whole album for Jack Ruby, but to this day it remains unreleased. After Jack Ruby’s passing in 1989, Mickey kept working the scene, recording for several producers and releasing tunes on labels like Roof International, Star Track, and Penthouse. His biggest moment came with Save A Little Bit. Originally produced by Maureen Sheridan and released by Grove Music, the re-cut on the Far East riddim for Donovan Germain’s Penthouse imprint became a notable hit in the UK.
It’s a real shame his story ended so soon. Mickey Simpson had the tools: smooth vocals, strong songwriting, and a natural feel for music. But in December 1993, his life was tragically cut short when he was stabbed to death at the age of 42.
The talent was there. No question about that. And listening to his work today, you can still hear the potential that never got the time it deserved.
The post Throwback 45s: Mickey Simpson – Don’t Cry appeared first on Reggae Vibes.
