Although he first met Ernie Smith three years ago, G Cole was a longtime admirer of the singer-songwriter. When Smith died on April 16 in Miami at age 80, he was among the thousands of people mourning.

G Cole wrote and recorded ‘There Goes That Man’, which salutes Smith who is best known for songs like ‘Pitta Patta’, ‘Life is Just For Living’ and ‘Duppy Gunman’. Released on April 28, G Cole co-produced the single with Ed Robinson, a close friend of Smith.

“As an artist, he was an enigma. Big voice, awesome storyteller, Ernie’s smile was as big as his voice, and he lived for that stage, no doctor, no management could keep him off it,” said G Cole. “A true showman, and he loved his fans as much as they loved him.”

In addition to being singer-songwriters, Smith and G Cole shared another similarity. They were raised in St. Ann, a scenic parish in northeastern Jamaica. 

When he heard of Smith’s death, G Cole decided to write a song that celebrates his achievements.

“I think Ernie’s greatest legacy is, the legend of Ernie Smith never diminished the humility of Ernie the man, for someone as accomplished and as revered, he’d give that love right back to you,” he stated. “If you sat with Ernie for a minute or for hours, one thing is for sure, you’re going to love him.”

‘There Goes That Man’ is G Cole’s second song for 2026. In March, he released the self-produced ‘I’m in Love’, a lovers' rock track.

The thanksgiving service for Ernie Smith takes place on May 16 at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Davie, South Florida.

WRITTEN BY HOWARD CAMPBELL