Half Pint f/Jack Maness “Unity” (2008)

@LeoOReggio

Half Pint’s diminutive stature belies not only his vocal capabilities but also camouflages his huge on-stage presence, often described as no less than explosive and dynamic. Born Lindon Roberts, but affectionately called Half Pint, he is a product of the West Kingston enclave of Rose Lane, a community in adjacent proximity to Trenchtown which has produced the likes of Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Peter Tosh, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Toots Hibbert and a host of other international Reggae superstars.

Half Pint began singing in the school choir at All Saints Primary School. Upon completion of his secondary education in 1976, he made a head-on thrust into Jamaica’s music industry. Pint toured the island with various sound systems including Black Scorpio, Jammys, Gemini, Lee’s Unlimited, and Killimanjaro, earning respect along the way as a talented vocalist and performer. Lindon Roberts was sought by and subsequently worked with top producers such as Errol (John) Marshall; Errol (Myrie) Lewis; Prince (King) Jammy; the rhythm twins, Sly and Robbie; George Phang; Jack Scorpio, Bobby “Digital” Dixon, and Mass Hugh to name a few. He also lent his vocal talent to local peers like Garnett Silk, Tony Rebel, and The Tamlins among others.

In 1983, Pint’s first single, “Sally,” was released followed by “Winsome,” the virtual anthem of the day. He continued to bombard the local and international Reggae scenes with a slew of hits, including “Mr. Landlord,” “Level the Vibes,” “Substitute Lover” and the massive chart-topper, “Victory.” Besides hit singles, Roberts has also managed to deliver an impressive cache of albums, most of which are still in demand worldwide. His colossal fan base is universal and remains consistently dedicated, especially in Europe, Japan, Brazil, and the West Coast of the United States.

Pint’s prolific songwriting ability was officially recognized with the cover of “Winsome” by the world-renowned rock group, The Rolling Stones in 1987 and which they renamed “Too Rude”; and by the pop group Sublime’s adaptation of “Loving” in 1996. An extremely hard-working artist, this singer has continued to maintain a presence through various tours and guest appearances. He has played to non-traditional audiences at world music festivals including rock concerts and has consistently found new fans with each gig. Roberts’ exposure to the big screen has come with the movies The Mighty Quinn (1989), Substitute 2 (1998), and Mookie (1999), all Original Motion Picture Soundtracks. Appearances on major music television channels like MTV have further helped to encrypt the respect he enjoys from industry personnel and fans alike, solidifying his reputation as one of reggae’s few living legends. In 1998, Half Pint was endowed with one of the greatest honors of his career when he signed with the prestigious BMG Music Publishing Company. To date, he is the only reggae singer to accomplish this feat and has in the process, joined fellow Sony/BMG artists including Whitney Houston and other world music giants as a member of the Sony/BMG family.

As a man recognized the world over for his positive contribution to the upliftment of people through reggae music, Pint was presented with “The Key to The City of Lauderdale Lakes” by the Mayor of the Florida suburb in 2000.

Half Pint was featured on Sly & Robbie’s 25th Anniversary US Tour along with Tony Rebel and Heineken Startime appearances in December 2004 in Jamaica. His work with the California-based band, DubCat has also opened up the doors to a new generation of fans of this great artist’s music as well as keeping busy on the road performing to his many fans worldwide. New York-based Sotti Records label released a Pint single in 2005, “Wha Ya Wan,” an updated remake of his classic “Winsome” with R&B singer (and former Ruff Ryder) DIA.

2007 saw Pint with a busy worldwide touring schedule, winning two International Reggae and World Music Awards at the Awards held in NYC at the Apollo Theater on May 5. He also headlined the Jamaica 360 festival in Ocho Rios, Jamaica in May and highlight performance at the 15th Annual Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay, Jamaica in July. In August, Pint was honored in Hartford, CT, and was pronounced “Half Pint Day” by the city government.

His studio CD, No Stress Express, was released in March of 2008 internationally and distributed through Essential Music / Universal Music Groups. The hit single and video for the CD, “Unity” features Jack Maness from Long Beach Dub All-Stars hit the charts for radio and video show worldwide. The No Stress Express international tour ran from April through June. The touring continued in the summer with Pint joining San Diego-based rock/reggae band, Slightly Stoopid, as well as Pepper and Sly and Robbie on the sold-out Tailgate 2008 tour throughout the US and Canada and again with Slightly Stoopid on their “Blazed and Confused’ Summer ’09 US Tour with Snoop Dogg and Stephen Marley.