Krista Henry, Staff Reporter 
Pluto Shervington performs at RedBones the Blues Café recently. -Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer
When Pluto Shervington enters a stage he is often bombarded by a chorus of cheers from an eager crowd, and with good reason. Shervington is a classic reggae artiste, vocalist, engineer and producer. Born Leighton Shervington in Kingston, Pluto has produced some of the most humorous folk style music tales of all time.
His output is mostly representative of soca styled reggae, and, over the years, Shervington gained a reputation as a talented bass guitarist, as well as for his fine vocal interpretations. His music was briefly popular in the U.K., he is best known for his single Dat, about a Rastafarian with a secret liking for pork, contrary to his faith, which achieved considerable chart success internationally in 1976.
He got into the Top 20 in the U.K. Singles Chart again some six years later, with another best-selling cut, entitled Your Honour. This song dealt with a prisoner’s courtroom pleas of innocence, in the face of insurmountable evidence to the contrary. The song’s somewhat racy nature and comical styling is in the best traditions of calypso and many elements of reggae.
He is also known for classic tunes such as I Man Born Ya and Ram Goat Liver. Shervington moved from Jamaica in the 1980s to Miami, Florida. The Sunday Gleaner caught up with Pluto to discuss his early beginnings and career.
Sunday Gleaner: How did you get the name?
Pluto Shervington: The nickname attached itself to me in high school (St. George’s College), during my Latin class. Pluto was the god of the underworld and, for some strange reason, my classmates figured out that I was at the root of every scheme that went down, hence the name.
Did you always want to do music?
I cannot remember a time that music was not my main focus. I have, however, done other things, but always considered them to be just a sideline to the music.
How did you get started in the business?
In 1966, my last year of high school, I was asked to join a popular dance band in Kingston called ‘The Presidents’. I had not started singing yet, but I was their guitarist for a year.
What was your first big break?
In 1968 I joined the already-formed ‘Tomorrow’s Children’. I later was chosen to lead this band and it was then that my singing career started. The band toured extensively throughout the Caribbean and North America, and to this day people remember me from that role.
What did your family think of you doing music?
My family was very opposed to my choice of career when I first started, but it didn’t take long to realise that I was not giving in. At that point I suppose that they figured out that the only option was to give their support. My father, being the most vocal about his opposition, now has the largest archive of newspaper clippings and records. Ironic, isn’t it?
How would you describe your music?
I would describe my music as Jamaican folk, satire and a strong storyline being an integral part.
How did the connection between you and Ernie Smith come about?
We recorded for the same label (Federal Records), and it didn’t take long to make a connection. Ernie has remained one of my closest friends over the last 30-odd years, and I dare say that we are even closer now.
How many songs has Smith written for you? Have you written for him?
We have never written each other’s songs. However, I am sure we have inspired each other over the years and we don’t rule out a collaboration down the road.
What is your connection with Bryon Lee?
Like Ernie, Byron is one of my mentors. I remember at age 12 going to a Christmas Morning show at the Carib Theatre and seeing Byron Lee & The Dragonaires perform, and I was so impressed at that age that it became my dream to be just like him. I started playing freelance with the band in Jamaica in 1969. I actually started touring with them in the early ’70s, and still do to this day. More than the music, I think our work ethic and determination to always get a job done have connected me to him over the years and now, having gone through prostate cancer myself, we have yet another bond.
How are you influenced by soca?
My love for soca has definitely influenced my lyrics as well as the way I put together the rhythm of my music. My songs are always danceable.
I understand that when you speak you stammer.
How do you control that in your singing?
Yes, I have had a stutter since about age nine. Most stutterers do not do it whenthey sing and I think it’s because of the rhythm. What is even more remarkable is that I will speak fluently on stage also. I would like to take credit for being able to do this, but if the truth be told I don’t understand why it happens, and I have long since accepted that it is a gift from God, and I treat it as such.
What do you think is your popular song to date?
Without a doubt, Ram Goat Liver.
Is there anything that you regret in your career?
I have been through two divorces in my life, that have been the greatest distraction to my music. The marriages, however, have provided me with four of my six wonderful children, and I can’t think of one that I would give back, so I guess I really don’t have much to regret.
How has the music business changed since you first began?
Tremendously. It used to take talent in the old days. However, it’s a certain look and a lot of hype now. I must say, however, that careers based on this don’t seem to last too long. The ones that have stood the test of time still are very talented entertainers. A perfect example of that is Richie Stephens, who I worked with a couple weeks ago at the St. Kitts Music Festival. There is no wonder that he is still around and doing better every year. Maximum respect, Richie.
How would you like to be remembered?
As an entertainer, I would like to be remembered as a positive influence on as many generations as my God allows me. As a person, I would like to be remembered as a dedicated father of six and grandfather of two who tried to do everything in the light of God.
