Millie Small, hailing from Jamaica, carved a niche in the annals of music history with her infectious hit "My Boy Lollipop" in 1964. This track not only skyrocketed to number two on both the UK and US charts but also became a global phenomenon, selling over seven million copies worldwide. Through this single, Small played a pivotal role in bringing ska—a precursor to reggae and an influence on various electronic and dance music genres—into the international spotlight.
Her success with "My Boy Lollipop" marked a significant milestone for Island Records, propelling the label towards mainstream acclaim and setting the stage for future genres, including electronic music, to find a broader audience. As the Caribbean's first international recording star and its most successful female performer at the time, Millie Small's contribution to the world of music, especially in shaping the sounds that influence today's electronic and dance scenes, remains indelible.