G Cole pays tribute to Ernie Smith with new single 'There Goes That Man'

Singer G Cole has paid musical homage to the late Ernie Smith with a new release titled There Goes That Man, celebrating one of Jamaica's most revered singer-songwriters.

Smith passed away on April 16 at the University of Miami Hospital at age 80, two weeks after being admitted for surgery. For artistes who came up over the last two decades, he stood as a benchmark of the craft, and G Cole counted himself among those who drew inspiration from his catalogue, which features beloved tracks such as Pitta Patta, Life is Just For Living and I For Jesus.

Released on April 28, the tribute was produced by G Cole alongside Ed Robinson. Both Smith and G Cole share roots in St Ann.

"I first met Ernie in 2023, and you'd swear we've known each other for years. That was one of his great attributes," G Cole said. He penned and recorded the song within days of Smith's passing.

The pair last shared a stage in December at a fundraising concert in Riviera Beach, in the southeastern corner of Florida. G Cole said their connection continued in Smith's final days. "I spoke to him via phone after that. The very last time I saw him was the day before he passed, I visited him in the hospital," he revealed.

He recalled performing for the ailing veteran in his hospital room. "He had a favourite song of mine, Old Days, which I was supposed to have performed for him at his birthday party, but the party got canceled. I sang it for him while he was in his hospital bed."

During the 1970s, Smith was a defining figure of the Jamaican singer-songwriter movement and the marquee act at Federal Records in Kingston. Songs such as Sunday Morning Coming Down and Duppy Gunman drew listeners across audiences during the heyday of roots-reggae, thanks to their folksy character.

A longtime South Florida resident, G Cole has three albums to his name and is preparing a fourth collection slated for summer release. His regard for Smith reached beyond the music itself.

"As an artiste, he was an enigma. Big voice, awesome storyteller, his smile was as big as his voice, and he lived for that stage. No doctor, no management could keep him off it," he said. "A true showman, and he loved his fans as much as they loved him."

A thanksgiving service for Smith is set for May 16 at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Davie, South Florida.