Photo by Roxroy McLean - Carlton 'Peppermint' Reckford has been in music for more than two decades.

Carlton 'Peppermint' Reckford has been in music for more than two decades but the versatile singer, composer and producer hasn't had the luck of the spotlight shining on him.

There is no quitting, though, for Reckford who told The Sunday Gleaner that he started producing songs in 1982.

"It is hard to turn back," said Reckford, 50, who grew up in Trench Town.

"When you look at the amount of money spent and effort put in, you will want to continue because you have to set the foundation for the younger ones.

"To how I feel, I believe there is another 15 years for me in the music business. I have a song titled Age Is Not A Number. For me, it is not age because God has preserved me," said Reckford, who is also a certified electrical technician.

"I just tell myself that one day I will get my time. I remember an artiste (Glen Washington) who got his breakthrough over 50 years and he was working hard as how I am now."

Age Is Not A Number was written and produced by Reckford this year on his home-based label Leaf Of Life Records, which is located in Portmore, St Catherine. Reckford described his hope and determination to make it big in music as "never ending".

He recorded his first song, Black Man Child, in 1982 at Harry J. Studio on the Silver Moon label. He then followed up with Ease Off, Mix Emotion, Petty Cash, Don't Disrespect Jah, Fay and Disarmed The World. Some of the songs were distributed by the now defunct High Tunes Records.

Reckford's most recent recorded singles are Everywhere Is War, Try Something and Link Up, which he also has a video for.

Reckford is a member of the Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes and Affiliates and in 2004 got some acknowledgement when he placed third in the 2004 Portmore Star Search competition, which was won by Gyptian. The father of two now only hopes for more recognition as he feels his music will connect with the hearts of those who listen.

"What I am doing right now is keeping active and trying to produce more songs. What I want is some good sponsors and promotion so that the world can see what is inside of me," he said.

humble man

Reckford said he grew up a very humble man, hence the patience.

"Music can't die. I am still hearing music which was produced in the '40s and people still listening to them. It's like the book of life (Bible). When you write good music, it must live on."

He said his wife of eight years, Murlene, and his children, Dwayne and Keniesha, are the biggest motivation in his life.

"I never hear them being negative. They always encourage me; they give me strength. My hope is to get more established so that my children (who are also musicians) can take the baton and move on," he said.

Of the current ban on songs with demeaning lyrics, Reckford suggested that the new artistes go back in time to fully grasp the impact of lyrics.

"In the '70s we used to listen music with less harsh lyrics and those music give you love. I would love to see them (authorities) set up systems where artistes can learn more about these music," said Reckford.

career twilight

While most artistes at age 50 would be in the twilight of their career, Reckford is patiently waiting for his time to shine. And he believes there is light at the end of the tunnel.

"I never get frustrated because I know there is hope. Everywhere I sing, I always get recognition.

"My intention is to work on the big events like Sting and Sumfest. I like to see plenty crowd. I like to perform in front of thousands. These are the things I want right now because I know I am ready," he said.