Everton Blender One of the few Jamaican singers to truly bridge the gap between the roots and dancehall reggae styles is Everton "Blender." When reggae fans hear the opening notes of "Lift Up Your Head," "Ghetto People Song" or "Blend Dem," most of which have risen to worldwide anthem status, they instantly recognize these songs as major cultural anthems of our time. Everton Dennis Williams was born in the parish of Clarendon, Jamaica, but grew up in Kingston 13 on Maxfield Avenue. He worked as a painter, construction worker and decorator, but he realized that the strong chemicals he was working with were not good for his voice or his health in general. With divine help and direction, he decided to leave his job to pursue a singing career. Although Everton had recorded a handful of singles for various producers, he had yet to score with a hit on the Island. But that was about to change. In 1991 he voiced the autobiographical "Create a Sound." The song described Everton's experiences in the music business and with the Rasta faith. It was released the following year on the Star Trail label, and it was Everton Blender's first hit. He continued to record for Star Trail, who had a distribution deal with Heartbeat Records. 1994's Lift Up Your Head (HB 169) was Everton's full length debut, and featured "Create a Sound," along with the hits, "Family Man," "Bring di Kutchie," "My Father's Home," "Gwaan Natty," and the title track, which would go on to become one of the biggest anthems of the 1990's. Everton continued to record for Star Trail and other labels, scoring hits including "Blend Dem," "World Corruption," "Bob Marley," "Piece of the Blender," "The Man," and "Coming Harder," all collected on the 1996 album, Piece of the Blender: The Singles (HB 209). At this time, Everton decided to take charge of his career and start his own label, which he named Blend Dem Productions. He began to finance most of his own recordings, a move that heightened tension between him and many who wished to control the music production and promotion on the Island. But he persevered, knowing that being in control of his career was the right decision, and his relationship with Heartbeat became even stronger. In 1999, Heartbeat released Everton Blender's first album by Blend Dem Productions, Rootsman Credential (HB 227). Alongside boom shots like "Ghetto People Song," "Why Do We Have To War," and "False Words" were Everton's own productions including "Slick Me Slick," "These Hands," and many more strong statements of Everton's faith and will to succeed. Since the release of Rootsman Credential, Everton has toured the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean, establishing himself as one of the top touring forces from Jamaica. Live at the White River Reggae Bash (HB 242) captures Everton performing his most popular material with the Blend Dem Band. As the millennium came to a close, Heartbeat released an album of new Blend Dem productions that included top acts riding Everton Blender produced rhythms. Dance Hall Liberation (HB 246) features Anthony B, Tony Rebel, Louie Culture, Richie Spice, Everton Blender, daughter Isha, and others. Everton was also executive producer on Richie Spice's debut album, Universal (HB 103), and played a role in Spanner Banner's release, Real Love (HB 249). In 2001, Blender released Visionary (HB 254), consisting of his trademark conscious commitment over sizzling roots and dancehall self-productions. With guest appearances by Beenie Man, Anthony B, Tony Rebel, and Marcia Griffiths, along with Everton's own strong performance, the album garnered favorable reviews throughout the music press. 2001 and 2002 also marked excellent touring years for Blender, in which he headlined several major reggae events. King Man (HB 258), released in 2002, represents another installment in Blender's legacy of excellent reggae music. In 2005 Blender did a two-month North American tour with America.s Reggae Angels and July 2005 marked the release of My Time, his latest album on Explorer Records. It is a strong album from beginning to end. Don.t miss him when he passes through your area. Everton Blender is touring to support this new release. He is touring with two female vocalists on background vocals including his daughter, Isha Blender, who opens her father.s set with some strong original songs of her own. Giving to the poor in spirit is a key to paradise. Blender is an exceptional, no-compromise lyricist who lives the words he writes. When Blender performs, one quickly recognizes that his works are from the heart. His message is one of commitment to Godly principles and good living amongst people. He is an uncompromising rastaman, consistently hitting the market for the cause of the people. Musically he is also a specially gifted vocalist with a unique style of his own.