The list of the best reggae musicians is not complete without giving Shaggy one of the top positions. Shaggy, whose real name is Orville Richard Burrell, is a Jamaican-born Grammy Award-winning reggae musician, singer, DJ, and actor. He is an excellent artist who has been certified with platinum and a gold degree.
He is best recognized through several hit songs such as Oh Carolina, Bombastic, It Wasn't Me, and Angel among others. He was named after the character Shaggy from the popular children's cartoon show Scooby-Doo.
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Biography
Shaggy was born on 22nd October 1968 in Kingston, Jamaica. He is the son of Clinton Burrell and Lorraine Miller. His mother worked as a medical secretary.
When Shaggy was seven years old, his family moved to Brooklyn, New York City. In 1987, he started attending singing classes, and a year later, he was discovered singing on the streets with friends.
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Full Name | Orville Richard Burrell |
Date of Birth | 22nd October 1968 |
Place of Birth | Kingston, Jamaica |
Nationality | American-Jamaican |
Profession | Reggae Artist, DJ, Singer, Actor |
Net Worth | $14 million |
Military Career
In 1988, Shaggy joined the United States Marine Corps and served during the Persian Gulf War. He was specialized as a Field Artillery Cannon Crewman.
During his service, he reached the rank of lance corporal, but he faced challenges, including being reduced in rank twice. It was also in the military where he honed his unique singing voice.
Acting Career
Shaggy has also made strides in acting, debuting in the action-comedy film Blast. He has appeared in several notable productions, including:
- The Wonderful World of Disney Presents The Little Mermaid Live
- Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration
- Game Over, Man!
- Shaggy: Live at Chiemsee Reggae Summer
Singing Career
Shaggy ventured into music full-time, releasing his first single in 1993 titled Oh Carolina. This hit was a remake of a song by the Folkes Brothers, marking the start of his successful music career.
Since then, Shaggy has released many chart-topping songs and albums, becoming a beloved figure in the reggae genre.
Personal Life
Shaggy is married to Rebecca Packer, with whom he tied the knot after 16 years of dating. Their wedding took place on July 12, 2014, in Jamaica.
The couple has a blended family with five children, including two sons from Shaggy's previous relationship and three daughters with Rebecca.
Net Worth
Shaggy's wealth primarily comes from his music career, including album sales and performances. As of 2020, his net worth is estimated to be around $14 million, a testament to his successful career in the music industry.
Over the years, Shaggy has become a household name and continues to inspire many aspiring artists in the reggae music scene.