Mike Anthony

The UK Saxon sound system from Lewisham, London, has spawned a number of revered performers, including Phillip Papa Levi, Daddy Colonel, Maxi Priest and Tippa Irie. Priest enjoyed initial hits with Barry Boom, who nurtured Anthony’s recording career in the late 80s. Anthony performed in the lovers rock style and enjoyed a reggae Top 10 hit with ‘Crash Crash’, swiftly following that success with ‘Glide Gently’, which showcased his smooth vocals. Numerous hits ensued, including ‘Cruising In Love’, ‘Open Your Heart’ and, with the illustrious Fashion Records label producer Gussie Prento, ‘Still Your Number One’. In 1991, Anthony topped the reggae chart for an extensive period with his cover version of David Ruffin’s ‘Walk Away From Love’. The song had been a reggae hit in the 70s for Ken Boothe, which inspired Anthony to emulate the Studio One veteran (producer Lloyd Charmers, motivated by Anthony’s unprecedented success, eventually re-released Boothe’s version). Anthony followed this success with ‘No Halfway Love’, which reaffirmed his popularity. Throughout the 90s he has consistently enjoyed Top 10 placings in the UK reggae charts, with notable hits including ‘Spread Love’, ‘Don’t Play Games’, ‘Sexy Eyes’, ‘Call Me’ and Top Cat’s ‘rude boy mix’, ‘This Time I Know’, which was released as part of a joint venture between Gussie P and Nine Lives.