“I don’t remember what I sang, but most of it was with my eyes shut because I was so shy. “I was 12 years old when I entered a posh talent contest called The Vere John’s Opportunity Hour at the Palladium in Montego Bay on Jamaica’s north coast, where I sang in front of 2,000 people,” Small added. Speaking about her success in 2016, Millie said: “I was born Millicent Small to parents who worked on a sugar plantation and, although we didn’t know anyone in the entertainment profession, I loved singing.” It was Jamaica’s first million-selling single and helped propel Millie to stardom as a ska and rocksteady artist in England. “My Boy Lollipop” became a huge hit in 1965 and even featured in the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony. “She was such a sweet person, really a sweet person. My Boy Lollipop is the debut album from Jamaican singer and songwriter Millie Small, released in 1964 via Smash Records.The album marks her only album release on the label.
I went with her around the world because each of the territories wanted her to turn up and do TV shows and such, and it was just incredible how she handled it,” Blackwell said. “It became a hit pretty much everywhere in the world. The Jamaican star passed away in England this week, her heartbroken pal confirmed Wednesday.Ĭhris Blackwell, who co-produced the hit song, said: “I would say she’s the person who took ska international because it was her first hit record,” launching her into the top 20 pop charts at 16 years old. “My Boy Lollipop” singer Millie Small has died from a stroke at age 73.