OLDIES SUNDAY: Tony Tuff – I’ll Have To Get You (1980/1990)

Recently, the Jamaican music scene, and the music world lost another star. The late Singer Tony Tuff transitioned on April 20, and many fans are still mourning the loss. His career started as a member of The African Brothers in the 1960s before going solo in the 1970s, with a number of hits to his name. Today on Oldies Sunday, we pay tribute to him by highlighting his hit single, “I’ll Have To Get You“.

Produced by Alvin Ranglin and released through GG’s Records in 1980, Tony Tuff had his sights set on a beautiful Woman in “I’ll Have To Get You”. He takes the listener through this story from the day he first laid eyes on her, to finding every way to not only have her full attention, but actually making her his. He shows a keen determination in getting her, and he lists all the qualities that make him attracted to her. The low tempo production on “I’ll Have To Get You” encourages many couples to boogie down in the later part of the dance, and the single quickly became a hit.

The popularity of “I’ll Have To Get You” enabled it to get a second life in 1990 when it was re-recorded and released as “I’ve Got To Get You“. Produced by Donovan Germain and Dave Kelly on the “A Love I Can Feel Riddim” and released through Penthouse Records, Tony Tuff’s hit earned him a new audience, and it secured its own place a 90s hit as the “A Love I Can Feel Riddim” gained popularity. It was allowed Tony to record various Dubplates for the song in the following years

Since the release of “I’ll Have To Get You”, Tony Tuff enjoyed a solo career that found him releasing more music and albums, touring parts of the world until his passing at age 69. The old and new versions of “I’ll Have To Get You” remain some of his most recognized singles.