Born Glendon Bailey, the Admiral began his musical life growing up in Cockburn Penn where U Roy's Stur-Gav sound system used to play. Being inspired by the fast talking style of Ranking Joe, he was persuaded by Josey Wales to join King Jammys in 1986.

His first hits for King Jammys included the tracks 'One Scotch' (with Chakademus), 'Ballot Box' (with Josey Wales) and 'Politician'.

It was however one year later with the song 'Punany' that put the Admiral among the reggae superstars. The song was banned because of its slack lyrics but a re-recording called 'Healthy Body' soon followed from the Admiral. The song was fundamental in the bashment style dancehall that came to rule dancehall in later years and featuring a rhythm track that would be versioned many times over.