Richard Jon Smith - Happy Christmas To All In The Land/You're The Best Thing (South Africa, 1979)

Happy Holidays everyone!!

Richard Jon Smith has long been a household name here in South Africa. I recall hearing some of his songs when I was growing up, even in the early 2000s. I also recall his hit "Michael Row Your Boat Ashore" being part of
one of my kindergarten plays. He was born on September 6th 1951, in Athlone, Cape Town. His love for music was evident from a very young age, and he began his music career in local bands like The Shindig 5, The Hippies, and The Triangles. His first recording experience came with The Hippies, and his work with The Triangles led him to producer Clive Calder, who launched his solo career, starting with the hit “Candlelight” in 1973. Smith soon achieved major success in South Africa, despite the apartheid-era societal divisions. "Michael Row Your Boat Ashore" was his biggest hit, topping the South African charts for 9 consecutive weeks in 1979, as well as enjoying several other top 10 and top 20 hits. He moved to England in 1981, where he worked with well-known artists and even sang backing vocals on Tight Fit’s UK chart-topping “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” He also achieved two minor UK solo hits in the 1980s, as well as some international success. He does not have a big social media presence today, but it is said that he lives a quiet life in North London with his wife, Glenda, whom he married in 1973.

As for this single, both sides are taken from his 1979 album, also "Michael Row Your Boat Ashore". "Happy Christmas To All In The Land" is a warm, sing-along-friendly acoustic tune with a sprinkle of Christmas, ending with a "la la la" of Auld Lang Syne. Richard's vocals are always enjoyable, and this song is no exception. The B-side, "You're The Best Thing", is a more downtempo, funky Motown-inspired track with soulful vocals, keeping the warm holiday vibes strong. Both tracks were produced by South African guitarist, songwriter and producer, Malcolm Watson. RJS wrote both songs and is credited as the executive producer.

Track Listing:

0:00 - A - Happy Christmas To All In The Land
4:07 - B - You're The Best Thing

Producer:
Malcolm Watson

Executive Producer:
Richard Jon Smith

Written By:
Richard Jon Smith

Catalogue number: B 191

℗ 1979 EMI-Brigadiers (Pty) Ltd.

Published by Musicpiece

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