One-half of reggae's most celebrated DJ/singer collaboration of the '90s, Pliers' partnership with Chaka Demus was for a time one of the biggest crossover sensations in the history of dancehall reggae. His sweet, lilting vocals were grounded in American soul artists like Stevie Wonder and Curtis Mayfield, and provided a perfect contrast to Demus' deep, gruff toasting. Before that collaboration, however, Pliers had worked as a solo artist, scoring a few minor hits in Jamaica. Pliers was born Everton Bonner in Rockhall Hills, Jamaica, on April 4, 1963; his brother was also a dancehall singer who performed under the name Spanner Banner. Pliers began recording professionally for the Black Scorpio label in 1987, initially influenced not only by '70s soul but also Jamaican performers like Pinchers and Shabba Ranks.