The Jamaicans were a ska/rocksteady group formed in Jamaica in 1967, consisting of members Tommy Cowan, Norris Weir, Derrick Brown and Martin Williams.
The Jamaicans originally started out in 1964 as the Merricoles, consisting of Derrick Brown and childhood friend Norris Weir, joined later by Martin Williams (deceased), Flats Hylton, and I Kong.
[1] The group soon changed their name to The Jamaicans, at the behest of Canadian shipping agent Aston McKeachron, to increase the group's international appeal, cutting two singles for Duke Reid at Treasure Isle - "Pocket Full of Money" and "Diana".
Another song written and recorded by the trio, "Black Girl", was later covered by the disco group Boney M.[3] The Jamaicans split up in 1972.
[2][3] Weir relocated to the US shortly after the group disbanded in 1972, and became a "travelling singing missionary evangelist".