Millie Small, ‘My Boy Lollipop’ singer, dies at 73

“My Boy Lollipop” singer Millie Small has died from a stroke at age 73.

The Jamaican star passed away in England this week, her heartbroken pal confirmed Wednesday.

Chris Blackwell, who co-produced the hit song, said: “I would say she’s the person who took ska international because it was her first hit record,” launching her into the top 20 pop charts at 16 years old.

“It became a hit pretty much everywhere in the world. I went with her around the world because each of the territories wanted her to turn up and do TV shows and such, and it was just incredible how she handled it,” Blackwell said.

“She was such a sweet person, really a sweet person. Very funny, great sense of humor. She was really special.”

“My Boy Lollipop” became a huge hit in 1965 and even featured in the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony.

It was Jamaica’s first million-selling single and helped propel Millie to stardom as a ska and rocksteady artist in England.

Speaking about her success in 2016, Millie said: “I was born Millicent Small to parents who worked on a sugar plantation and, although we didn’t know anyone in the entertainment profession, I loved singing.”

“I was 12 years old when I entered a posh talent contest called The Vere John’s Opportunity Hour at the Palladium in Montego Bay on Jamaica’s north coast, where I sang in front of 2,000 people,” Small added. “I don’t remember what I sang, but most of it was with my eyes shut because I was so shy. I won the second prize of 30 shillings and it was the beginning of my new life as a singer.”

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