Tributes continue to flood social media following the death of “My Boy Lollipop” international hitmaker, Mille Small.
Music News understands that Jamaica’s first international female superstar, Millie Small died in the United Kingdom on Tuesday at the age of 73 after suffering a stroke.
She was most famous for her international hit single, “My Boy Lollipop,” which reached number two in both the US and the UK in 1964. To date, it remains one of the biggest-selling ska songs of all time, with more than seven million sales.
In 1963, it was Chris Blackwell who brought Small to London and produced her version of My Boy Lollipop. Chris Blackwell’s Island Records via Instagram expressed sadness following the passing of Millie Small. “She was a true legend and an incredible human. She will be dearly missed. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time”, Island Records wrote on the platform.
After leaving Island Records in 1970, she recorded for legendary reggae label Trojan Records, where her first single was a cover of Nick Drake’s Mayfair. Trojan Records via social media called the news of Millie Small’s passing “truly devastating.”
Meanwhile, the Music of Black Origin, also known as the MOBO Awards via Instagram wrote, “With hits like My Boy Lollipop, she broke down barriers for Jamaican music. The song was Jamaica’s first million-selling single when it was released in 1964.”
UB40, Third World Band, and Hot 97’s Bobby Konders are some of the industry players who have paid tribute to Millie Small via social media.
Though she was never able to replicate the success of My Boy Lollipop, she recorded Sweet William which garnered local success.
In later years, she lived in Singapore and New Zealand before returning to London, where she concentrated on writing, painting, and raising her daughter.
In 2011, Millie Small received Jamaica’s Order of Distinction in the Commander class for her contribution to the Jamaican music industry.
The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has expressed sadness at the passing of Millie Small. Minister Grange said in part, “Millie Small will forever be remembered as one of Jamaica’s great music icons. Under the guidance of legendary producer Chris Blackwell, she brought Jamaican music to the world.” Minister Grange further stated, “Jamaica will remain eternally grateful to Millie Small as she paved the way for Ska to explode on the world scene through numerous television appearances around the world, including the BBC’s Top of the Pops. Her unique sound attracted audiences around the world and turned attention on Jamaican music, which allowed other genres to break through internationally.”
Born Millicent Small in Clarendon, Jamaica, Millie Small was one of seven brothers and five sisters. She was raised on the sugar plantation where her father was an overseer.