Soul And / Or Related Artists
david oliver

David Oliver

b. David Lee Oliver, 8th January 1942, Orange County, Florida, U.S.A.

d. 6th June 1982, Orange County, Florida, U.S.A.

David Oliver is a hugely underrated Soul Singer, whose parents were both Jamaican.

He was born and grew up in Florida, and began singing when he was a high school student at the age of 15.

David sang in the school choir, mainly with the soprano singers at the school, due to his naturally high vocal register.

Though born and raised in Florida, David often travelled to Jamaica to keep in touch with his roots.

David sang with vocal groups throughout high school and college and was inspired by major artists like the Temptations, and Smokey Robinson.

After college, David joined the Air Force to keep from being drafted by the Army, he stayed five years and was a regular at the services' talent shows.

David Oliver

Following his military service, he moved to Los Angeles in 1967 and joined a multi-cultural group called Five Days & Three Nights whose members consisted of other Jamaican migrants to California.

They had a large brass section, not unlike the bands Chicago, Tower of Power, and Blood, Sweat & Tears, however, contract negotiations with Motown Records fell through and they disbanded.

Redbone

redbone - already here - 1972

After spending a large part of a year with the group Redbone, the association came to an end in 1972 (he recorded 'Already Here' with the band).

David then pursued a solo career and began working in various clubs across L.A. to San Francisco.

Five years later David lost heart with his career and took on a regular office job in San Francisco.

The office work didn't endure and he joined another short lived group, after which he joined the Mighty Joe Hicks Band as a singer and remained there until 1975.

Mighty Joe Hicks

mighty joe hicks

Mighty Joe recorded the self-titled Mighty Joe Hicks on Stax's Enterprise label in 1973.

David relocated to Jamaica for a year, then renewed an association with Forest Hamilton, and recorded four albums for the Mercury label.

The single 'MS' became an R&B hit and David toured with various established performers.

Jamerican ManMind Magic

jamerican man - 1977 / mind magic - 1978

Rain FireHeres To You

rain fire - 1979 / here's to you - 1980

Sadly, David Oliver died on the 6th June 1982 in Orange County, Florida, U.S.A., cutting short a solo career which spanned only 5 years.

David Oliver

One point of interest to London fans, is the track, later made famous by Ronnie Laws and Dave Grusin, 'Friends and Strangers', made it's first appearance on 'Jamerican Man'.

Grusins version was utilised to great effect by Robbie Vincent on his weekday Radio London talkshows.

David Oliver

Real Player

Albums:

Jamerican Man (Mercury Records 1977)

Mind Magic (Mercury Records 1978)

Rain Fire (Mercury Records 1979)

Here's To You (Mercury Records 1980)

top of the page

 

SoulwalkingStart HereThe ArtistsListen Out ForThe ChartBeen MissedRespectReal AudioOpinionNetworkJazz & FusionLinksMotown