Numerous artists have had hits with ‘Little Green Apples’, a song first released in 1968. The most successful version is that of O.C. Smith whose version went to number two on the United States pop chart that year.
In Jamaica, the best-known cut is by Dennis Brown, whose reggae version was produced by Clement “Coxson” Dodd and released in 1971 when the Crown Prince of Reggae was only 14 years-old. Singer Ian Sweetness recently put a robust spin on Brown’s edition.
“It’s a song mi always love, an mi jus’ decide sey I have to do it. But mi have to put my signature on it,” he said.
Sweetness produced his cover of a song that has also been done by Patti Page, Johnny Mathis, Frank Sinatra and Robbie Williams/Kelly Clarkson. The recording session was even more enjoyable considering Brown was a “good bredrin” of his. “Yeah mon, know D Brown good, good. All do some song with him but dem never release. Nuff respect to D Brown!” he exclaimed.
Based in the United States for the past 30-odd years, Ian Sweetness is from the east Kingston area of Jamaica, where he developed his vocal skills on sound systems. He was also a regular at the famed studios of engineer/producers Lloyd “King Jammy” James and Osbourne “King Tubby” Ruddock during the late 1980s.
