Lyttle’s smash turns all on

No performing artist likes to be known as a ‘one-hit wonder’ but there is no denying that following the worldwide success of “Turn Me On”, Kevin Lyttle has not come remotely close to repeating that feat.

Born in St. Vincent 41 years ago, Lyttle showed enormous musical talent and was encouraged by his family to pursue music in his teens. Before performing full time, Lyttle paid his bills with jobs such as customs officer and radio DJ.

He recorded "Turn Me On" as a soca ballad in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in 2001 and the song was only a minor hit throughout the Caribbean.

Lyttle signed with Atlantic Records in 2003 and a remixed, upbeat version of "Turn Me On" was released in the UK at the end of the year, with dancehall artist Spragga Benz's guest vocals. The catchy song with the appropriate marketing gained traction on the nightclub and radio circuit and reached number two in the UK, spending seven weeks in the Top 10 of the UK Singles Chart. It eventually became a worldwide hit in 2004, reaching number 4 in the United States, number 3 in Australia and placing in the Top 5 in many European countries.

His debut self-titled album followed in July 2004, charting in the US Top 10, where it was certified gold, and meeting with minor success in Europe. The second single, "Last Drop", was released in markets outside the US, but didn't manage to repeat the success of "Turn Me On", becoming only a minor hit in Europe. "Drive Me Crazy" was released as the third single in autumn 2004, followed by a promotional only single "I Got It". Both songs were commercial failures. In 2005, Lyttle released a new song in Jamaica only, "Jimmy Johnny".

In 2007, along with Byron Lee and Arrow, he performed at the Cricket World Cup opening ceremony in Greenfield Stadium, Jamaica. The same year Lyttle founded his own record label, Tarakon Records. His second album, Fyah, was released by Tarakon and Universal Records in 2008, featuring a duet version of "Turn Me On" recorded with Alison Hinds and contributions from other artists. The title song was released as the first single and both the single and the album were unsuccessful commercially.

Lyttle released "Anywhere", a collaboration single with Flo Rida in 2011, followed by "Nobody Like U", accompanied by a remix contest. His third studio album, I Love Carnival, was released in 2012, promoted by "Wine and Go Down" and the title song. 2013 saw the release of the single "Bounce", followed by "Feel So Good", a collaboration with Shaggy, in 2014. Once again, they did not set the charts on fire.

Lyttle lives in Miami, and is married to Dr. Jacqueline James, with whom he has a son. Last year saw the 15th anniversary of the first release of “Turn Me On” and an album was released in its dedication. It comprises of a remaster of the original single with fellow Tarakon Records artist and original featured artist, Maddzart, as well as international artists features on French and Spanish versions. The album also contains the best covers, remixes and remakes from fans. The most notable remake for 2016 being the cover by DJ trio Cheat Codes and Dutch DJ Dante Klein, called “Let Me Hold You (Turn Me On)” which has been played over 110 million times on Spotify.