Winston Riley was born in 1946 in Kingston, Jamaica. It didn't take Riley long to enter the music industry as he formed The Techniques harmony group at the age of 16. The group stayed together for over 20 years and during that time, they released a number of tracks, The first track they recorded was at Coxsone Dodd's Studio One and they later moved on to work for Duke Reid.

It was in 1970 that Riley stepped away from the mike and began working behind the scenes, becoming a producer. He set up his own Techniques label in 1970 and produced for artistes such as Boris Gardener, The Escorts and Johnny Osbourne. He scored an international hit with Dave & Ansel Collins who recorded his own "Double Barrel" which was the first reggae song to reach #1 on the UK singles chart. Riley remained on the cutting edge of the business as he introduced the world to "slackness" via General Echo's album.

Riley continued to work in the industry, producing singles and albums for artistes such as Frankie Paul, Buju Banton, Super Cat, Red Dragon, Gregory Isaacs and Sanchez.

Winston Riley is most famously known however for his production of the "Stalag" rhythm which has to date, 400 known versions. Reggae artist Freddie McGreggor dubbed this rhythm as "the wickedest rhythm in the world". Riley continues to work in the industry as he is involved with the building of a studio/museum at Techniques Records to remember the departed greats in reggae. Riley's influence has even transferred to his family as his son, Kurt Riley is a popular deejay in Jamaica.