Trinidad-born Billy Ocean is not only a smooth-voiced hitmaker, but a prolific songwriter who co-penned all of his best-known tunes. Originally part of the obscure rock band Scorched Earth, Ocean began scoring UK hits in the '70s. But it took until 1984 for him to make an international breakthrough with "Caribbean Queen," which defined his mix of classic soul, calypso, and light funk. Working with star producer Mutt Lange, he ruled the charts in through the '80s and had soundtrack success on The Jewel of the Nile. Though he now keeps a lower U.S. profile, he remains a major UK star.