Winston Riley (left), Keith Lyn (second left), Charlie 'Organaire' Cameron (centre) and Winston 'Wee Pow' Powell (right), recipients at the Tributes To The Greats show, pose with promoter Kingsley Goodison at the event on Saturday night at Curphey Place. - photos by Colin Hamilton

In a career that began nearly 50 years ago, Winston Riley has racked up numerous hit songs as a singer and producer. In terms of accolades, however, he said he had little to show.

The Denham Town-born Riley, who started out as a singer with the Techniques harmony group in the 1960s, believes he got some of that elusive recognition last Saturday. He was one of eight honourees at the Tribute To The Greats show, held at the Curphey Place in St Andrew.

"When you work hard and there's no respect, yuh feel it because you are human," Riley told The Gleaner backstage, shortly after receiving his plaque. "You want to be recognised while you are still alive."

The Techniques stood out during the rocksteady craze of the late 1960s.

They had several hit songs for producer Arthur 'Duke' Reid, including Little Did You Know, Queen Majesty, My Girl and You Don't Care. Riley went on to have an outstanding career as a producer. He has made hit songs with Ansell Collins and Dave Barker (Double Barrel), Ring The Alarm (Tenor Saw), Boops (Super Cat) and Lonely Won't Leave Me Alone, which was done by Sanchez.

Brain child

Riley was not the only West Kingston native honoured. Impresario Joe Higgs, musician Charles 'Charlie Organaire' Cameron and tour promoter/booking agent Copeland Forbes also received awards.

Higgs, who is credited with nurturing the career of the Wailers in Trench Town, died from cancer in 1999. He was represented by his son, Paul Higgs.

Balladeer Keith Lyn, former lead singer for Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, Stone Love founder Winston 'Wee Pow' Powell, show promoter Victor Chin and journalist Basil 'Ras Bas' Walters, completed Tribute To The Greats class of 2009.

Tribute To The Greats is the brainchild of Kingsley Goodison whose King Omar Promotions has produced the show since 1998.z

IT'S A RENAISSANCE PARTY

Come celebrate with Delano, Jazzy T and the crew at Renaissance Disco's 20th anniversary party on August 15 at the Palisadoes Go-Kart Track. For one week, from August 4-11, The Gleaner and THE STAR will offer a 25 per cent discount on tickets. All you have to do is take a copy of The Gleaner or THE STARwith you, make your purchase, then count down the days to one of the hottest parties for the summer.

Tickets cost $1,500 and are available at LG Service Station on Dunrobin Avenue, Genus Pharmacy in Portmore and The Gleaner at 7 North Street, Kingston.

The papers will be kept on purchase of the ticket.

Keith Lyn, former lead singer of Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, performs at Tributes To The Greats.