Reggae artiste Carlton Livingston

Reggae artiste Carlton Livingston

At an early age, Carlton began singing in church; this is where he discovered his musical gift. Carlton mother Beryl and his older sisters were all very active in their church choir and play a part in influencing and giving Carlton a base to start his musical journey.
Carlton moved to Kingston along with his family. In 1970 relocated to Franklyn Town where he attended Vauxhall Secondary School.

Around that time he started a sound system “Fantastic Three” with his friends-the most famous being Lone Ranger. Tony Walcott heard the talent in Carlton and Ranger, and took them along with new comers Welton Irie and Puddy Roots to refine their skills. Carlton impressed Tony so much that around 1978 he took him to Channel One Records to record :( TALE of TWO CITIES). After that he went to “STUDIO ONE”, this led to such hits as (WHY) (HERE I STAND) and (PREDICTIONS).

Carlton also attended Trench Town Comprehensive. While attending Trench Town, He and his schoolmate Doyle went to a dusty yard to listen to the undiscovered Bob Marley and the Wailers. This gave Carlton the inspiration to peruse a singing career.

It was around this same period Carlton was approached by Leon Symoie and Chester Symoie, from “THRILLSEEKERS” label, to record some songs. These recording sessions added up to his first LP called “SOWETO”

The Early eighties were a busy stage in Carlton’s career, he recorded (Mr. DJ) and (CUSS RASTA) for “U Brown’s” label, and during this same period was recording (TRODDING) and (TRICKS) for Sly and Robbie’s “TAXI” label. Early 80,s Carlton also recorded for Clive Jarrett’s “DYNAMITE

RECORDS” some of these recordings include (RUMORS) (MARIE)and(CONFUSION). In 1982 Carlton success was growing to great heights in Jamaica, Europe and North America.