Pato Banton, backed by Sol Horizon
Having already enjoyed a career filled with international hits and chart-topping duets with artists such as Sting and UB40, Pato Banton will undoubtedly continue to be the leading voice in reggae music for the coming decade. Surfdog Records is proud to release Life Is A Miracle on April 4, 2000, Pato’s first studio album in nearly four years.
Born and raised in Birmingham, England (where he still resides), Pato was introduced to music as an MC in his stepfather’s traveling reggae disco sound-system act called V-Rocket. At a very young age, he was already mixing records and “toasting” fast Jamaican rapping to a heavy beat. While establishing a strong local following and reputation, he caught the ear of the English Beat’s Ranking Roger, who took young Pato under his wing and pushed him into becoming a musical performer in his own right and expanding his sights beyond Birmingham. It paid off.
With the release of his first two albums entitled “Never Give In” and “Vision Of The World,” respectively, Pato’s status began to blossom around the world. Two subsequent studio records (“Universal Love” and “Wize Up”) combined with constant touring firmly entrenched him as a musical force to be reckoned with. Although Pato has always had major success in the United States (album sales and touring), he has become a bona fide megastar in Europe and South America, selling over 3,000,000 albums and headlining stadium tours. The 1996 release of Banton’s fifth studio album, “Stay Positive” spurred the Top 5 UK single, “Groovin’.”
Life Is A Miracle is the culmination of a 4-year writing and recording process that will surely take Pato Banton to the next level in the United States and abroad. The new songs blend reggae, hip-hop, and dance, creating a sound that is truly unique to Pato Banton. From clubs to stadiums (and every point in between), Pato will continue to win over fans by the thousands and prove that the U.S. is ready to even more fully embrace this international superstar. Patrick Murray grew up in Birmingham, England and got his start as an MC in his father’s traveling reggae disco sound system called V-Rocket. It was with V-Rocket that Pato honed his toasting skills, which enabled him to record an independent single called “Hello Tosh, Go A Toshiba,” a successful track on the indie reggae charts. The single caught the ear of fellow Birmingham native Ranking Roger of the English Beat. Roger judged a local talent contest and the newly christened Pato Banton won. Roger then invited Pato to record a track with him for the Beat’s Special Beat Service record, called “Pato And Roger A Go Talk.” An appearance on UB40’s “Hip Hop Robot” on Little Baggariddim followed soon after. Pato Banton has long been appreciated for his live performances by fans across the globe and as with all his releases, he will tour extensively, certain to charm more hearts as he spreads his messages of love, optimism and peace. The day has arrived for the hardest working, most dynamic reggae showman of today. Collections is the celebration of an inspiring career and the promise of more happiness to come through positive music.
