Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

'HOWDY!' That rustic greeting has become a signature for deejay Merciless since his surprise appearance at Sting last year. He had recently been released from prison in the United States and what better place to make a return than one of his favourite stamping grounds.

Merciless, 38, is preparing for another run at the Boxing Day event, billed by promoters as the 'Greatest One Night Show On Earth'. Unlike last year when he had little more than an expanding girth to show, this time he has a hit song.

The Letter, Merciless' heartfelt recollection of his 14-month incarceration in a Florida prison, has become an anthem. He said he is not surprised at the response to the song he recorded four months ago.

"Bwoy, Fada, is a reality song an' a dat the people want," he said.

The Letter is a statement to his mother, Ruby Ettle Bartley. He said he refused to call her by phone, fearing she could not cope with the news that the last of her seven children had been imprisoned.

In it, he recalls his prison routine which ranged from spiritual ("Mi read mi Bible everyday") to the mundane (watching cartoons on television). He refused, however, to say why he was locked up.

"Dat a nuh sumpten wey fi print inna the press!" was his retort.

HUMOUR AND ENTHUSIASM

For two years, little had been heard of Merciless. When he took the Sting stage in 2008 he was stockier but the humour and enthusiasm, that have been a trademark of his songs and performances, were intact.

Merciless reckons he has recorded more than 30 songs for various producers since he's been back in Jamaica. None have had the impact as The Letter which was done on the England Town rhythm.

It is the latest comeback for Leonard Bartley, who was born and raised in the Turner district area of Chapleton, Clarendon. He never took to farming, a way of life for many males in his hometown, but said he was big into Papa San and Lieutenant Stitchie, and was a regular at dances.

"Mi used to do everything, Fada. Mi pick up (speaker) box, sleep inna dance. Anything fi get a 'buss'," he explained.

After several misses, that 'buss' finally came in 1995 with Mavis which was produced by Robert Livingston, the man behind Shaggy's hits. The catchy number flew up local charts but Merciless' Bounty Killer-type delivery did

not go down well with critics who labelled him a copycat.

Over the years, Merciless soldiered on with intermittent hits including Old Gallis, Gal Gizada and Momma Cooking, an ode to Miss Ettle's culinary skills.

Like most of his contemporaries, he has had his share of controversy. After triumphantly disposing of rivals Beenie Man and Bounty Killer at Sting 2000, he was involved in an ugly onstage exchange with both deejays at Reggae Sumfest the following year. Promoters banned him permanently from that show.

Merciless has never attained the marquee status of Beenie Man or Bounty Killer. He has recorded three albums to go along with his hits, but said he prefers to stay away from glamour and stick to the simple principles Miss Ettle taught him.

"People can talk all dem want, yuh nuh mi boss, but wi answer to Fada God," he said. "Mi may name Merciless, but curse mi less."