Few musicians embody the essence of reggae quite like Earl “Chinna” Smith. A guitarist of rare talent and deep spiritual conviction, Smith has been at the heart of reggae music for over five decades, shaping its sound and ensuring its soul endures across generations. Whether in the studio or his own Chinna’s Yard, he remains a beacon of authenticity and craftsmanship in Jamaican music.
The Most Recorded Guitarist of Reggae’s Golden Era
Born on 6 August 1955, Earl “Chinna” Smith, also known as Earl Flute and Melchizedek the High Priest, has been active since the late 1960s. He is perhaps the most recorded guitarist of the classic reggae era, appearing on more than 500 albums. Smith played on seminal works by Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Bunny Wailer, Sugar Minott, Jacob Miller, Black Uhuru, Mighty Diamonds, Augustus Pablo, Gregory Isaacs, and Freddie McGregor. The full list of his collaborations could fill an entire page. As a member of Bunny Lee’s Aggrovators and later the Soul Syndicate, Smith influenced a generation of Jamaican musicians.
Beyond his impeccable rhythm and riff playing, he introduced the innovation of guitar intros in reggae, crafting iconic openings for songs like Marley’s “Rat Race” and Dennis Brown’s “Cassandra”, where previously most tracks began with a drum fill.
The Rise of a Legend
Raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Smith’s musical journey began as a teenager in the early 1970s with the legendary Soul Syndicate, a pioneering session band that helped define the golden era of reggae. The group, founded by bassist George Fullwood, played a crucial role in the development of the genre, backing some of reggae’s most influential artists. Smith’s masterful guitar work quickly made him one of the most sought-after musicians on the island.
His résumé reads like a roll call of reggae royalty: Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, Dennis Brown, Augustus Pablo, Jacob Miller, Jimmy Cliff, The Mighty Diamonds, Ras Michael and the Sons of Negus, Sly and Robbie, and Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers all benefited from his artistry. Yet his reach extended beyond reggae’s borders, collaborating with international stars like Alpha Blondy, the Fugees, Lauryn Hill, Joss Stone, and Amy Winehouse.
A Timeless Sound in a Digital Era
While the 1980s saw reggae transition into the digital age, leaving many musicians struggling to adapt, Smith’s artistry remained in high demand. Known as “Melchizedek” or the “High Priest,” his distinct, roots-heavy guitar style never lost its relevance. His ability to weave intricate, spiritual melodies into any rhythm cemented his place as a pillar of reggae music.
In 1980, Smith launched the High Times label, further solidifying his influence on reggae’s evolution. The label became a platform for preserving the rich, organic sounds of roots reggae amidst the rise of digital production.
Inna De Yard: A Return to Roots
In the 2000s, Smith spearheaded a movement that brought reggae back to its acoustic, grassroots origins. His Inna De Yard sessions, recorded in his lush St. Andrew yard, revived the practice of unplugged, soulful reggae recordings. Released under the French label Makasound, the Inna De Yard series became a celebration of the genre’s raw essence, featuring minimalist instrumentation and legendary practitioners. Through these recordings, Smith nurtured new talent while paying homage to reggae’s foundations, reinforcing his commitment to keeping the music pure and powerful.
To this day, Smith welcomes musicians from far and wide to his yard in Jamaica, where they gather to learn, jam, and preserve the tradition of roots reggae. He has remained a mentor, teaching younger generations the intricacies of reggae music and ensuring its legacy continues.
Grounded in Rastafari
Despite his towering contributions to reggae, Smith remains humble, grounded in his Rastafarian faith. His quiet influence speaks volumes, as he continues to inspire and mentor musicians worldwide. In 2013, he was awarded the prestigious Silver Musgrave Medal by the Institute of Jamaica, an honour recognising his outstanding contributions to Jamaican art and culture. Presented by the late Barbara Gloudon, the award cemented his legacy as one of reggae’s most enduring musicians.
A Legacy Still Unfolding
Even after five decades, Earl “Chinna” Smith remains an active and vital force in reggae music. Whether in the studio, on stage, or at Chinna’s Yard, he continues to shape the genre with his unmistakable touch. As reggae lovers celebrate Reggae Month, there’s no better time to honour the High Priest whose music, mentorship, and mission have kept the heart of reggae beating strong.
Cover photo via Earl “Chinna” Smith on Facebook
