





THE body of Bahamian singer Johnny Kemp was found on a beach in Montego Bay, St James, on Thursday.







Kemp, 55, who lived in New York, is known for the 1987 Billboard dance anthem Just Got Paid.







According to the Corporate Communications Unit, the police's information arm, the singer's body was found face down at the beach around 9:50 am on Thursday. He apparently suffered head injuries and was fully clothed.







It is believed Kemp -- who was seen walking on the rocks earlier in the morning -- lost his balance, fell, hit his head and drowned.







Details are sketchy as to how Kemp came to be on the island.







Investigations are, however, continuing.



Kemp (whose correct name is Jonathan Kemp) emerged during the R&B/New Jack Swing era of the 1980s.







He started his career at 13 singing in Bahamian nightclubs before migtating to America in 1979.







Kemp got the big break in 1987 with Just Got Paid, from the album, Secrets of Flying. The track shot to the top of the US Billboard R&B chart. Dancing with Myself, another single from the album, made it to top five of that chart.







Kemp never replicated the success of Just Got Paid, his nearest effort being Birthday Suit in 1989, which peaked at 36 on the Hot 100 chart. That track was featured in the movie Sing.







He is survived by a wife and two sons.







-- Brian Bonitto



