Dandy Livingstone (Robert Livingstone Thompson, Kingston, Jamaica, 14 December 1943) is a Jamaican reggae musician and producer He is best known for his 1972 hit, "Suzanne Beware of the Devil", and for his song, "Rudy, A Message to You", which was later a hit for The Specials. "Suzanne Beware of the Devil", reached number 14 on the UK Singles Chart. At the age of 15, Livingstone moved to the United Kingdom. Livingstone's first record was released without his knowledge - a tenant in the building where he and a friend jammed recorded some of these sessions and released some tracks on the Planetone record label. ...show more

Dandy Livingstone (Robert Livingstone Thompson, Kingston, Jamaica, 14 December 1943) is a Jamaican reggae musician and producer He is best known for his 1972 hit, "Suzanne Beware of the Devil", and for his song, "Rudy, A Message to You", which was later a hit for The Specials. "Suzanne Beware of the Devil", reached number 14 on the UK Singles Chart. At the age of 15, Livingstone moved to the United Kingdom. Livingstone's first record was released without his knowledge - a tenant in the building where he and a friend jammed recorded some of these sessions and released some tracks on the Planetone record label.

When London-based Carnival Records were seeking a Jamaican vocal duo, Livingstone filled the requirement by double-tracking his own voice, releasing records in this fashion under the name 'Sugar & Dandy'. One of these singles, "What a Life", sold 25,000 copies, providing Livingstone with his first hit. When called on to perform live, Roy Smith was recruited to make up the duo, although he would be replaced by Tito "Sugar" Simon. In 1967, Livingstone signed with Ska Beat Records, for whom he recorded his debut album 1968's Rocksteady with Dandy.

In 1968 Livingstone moved into production, and formed a duo with Audrey Hall (as 'Dandy & Audrey'). His production of other artists included The Marvels' debut album, and hit singles by Nicky Thomas ("Suzanne Beware of The Devil") and Tony Tribe ("Red Red Wine"). In the late 1960s, Livingstone worked with the trombonist, Rico Rodriguez, who had featured on "Rudy, A Message to You". Rodriguez later played with The Specials, whose 1979 cover version of the song made it famous. ...show less