| Richie Stephens | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Richard Frederick Freeman Stephenson III |
| Born | December 5, 1966 |
| Origin | Savanna-la-Mar, Jamaica |
| Genres | R&B, reggae, reggae fusion, dancehall |
| Occupations | Singer-songwriter, producer |
| Labels | Motown VP Pot of Gold Greensleeves |
| Associated acts | Soul II Soul |
| Website | www.richiestephensmusic.com |
Richard Frederick Freeman Stephenson III, better known as Richie Stephens (born December 5, 1966, Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, Jamaica)[1] is a Jamaican R&B, dancehall and reggae singer and producer.
In the early 1990s, Stephens was a part of the twice Grammy Award winning act Soul II Soul, and had recorded at Motown,[2] besides producing records on the VP label and establishing his own label, Pot of Gold Records. Later that decade he published dancehall singles such as "Winner", "Bus the Place" and "Slop Dem". His tracks, "Legacy" (Mad Cobra featuring Richie Stevens, 1993), and "Come Give Me Your Love" (Richie Stephens featuring General Degree, 1997), peaked at #64 and #61 respectively in the UK Singles Chart.[3]
In 1998, Stephens' album, Winner, was released on Greensleeves, produced by himself, Frenchie, Danny Brownie and Donovan Germain. Since then, Stephens has focused his music on Christian related themes.
In 2006, Stephens was rewarded the Jamaican Governor-General's Achievement Award for contributing to civic, social and recreational projects in and around the parish of Westmoreland.[1]
In January 2011, Richie's adopted son Demar Graham, who went by the stage name Copper Cat, was shot and killed outside of his home in Kingston.[4]