HEAR THIS: Wild Belle’s Reggae Cover Version Megamix: “Summer Tropical Show N°3: Island Soul”
When They’re Not Collabing With Major Lazer, They’re Collecting Reggae 45s The cover version is a time-honored art form in Jamaica. Pioneering sound system owner turned record producer Coxsone Dodd used to travel to the United States in search of fresh clothes and rare vinyl to play on the mighty Sir Coxsone’s Downbeat. As his […]
HEAR THIS: John Holt “My Heart Is Gone”
Celebrating The Birth of a Legend On this day in 1947, Winston “John” Holt was born in Greenwich Farm, Jamaica. His destiny in music was clear before he hit his teenage years, and he soon became a standout at the talent show circuit. His first recordings included “I Cried A Tear” for producer Leslie Kong […]
HEAR THIS: Busy Signal “WhatsApp”
Turf Prez Inna Soca Style Back in 1984 when Byron Lee and the Dragonaires created their classic hit, “Tiny Winey,” they could not have predicted that this song about a provocative dancer could inspire another soca tune, thirty-one years later. Busy Signal explains that he particularly enjoyed the tune’s exuberant narrative—as well as its infectious […]
Flashback Friday: Red Rose For Gregory
The Unexpected Gift On December 6, 2008, I arrived at the Hammerstein Ballroom and met a large crowd, which gathered together on a snowy night, for the Jamrock Magazine, 4th Annual Vintage Fest, promoted by David “Squeeze” Annakie. Unfortunately, the line to purchase tickets at the door was so long that security announced, “No one […]
A Love We Can Feel: Respect To John Holt
Early Sunday morning, Reggae Legend, John Kenneth Holt, died at the age of 67 in London. Even after collapsing onstage during a performance at this summer’s One Love Festival in the UK, he insisted that his health was fine and said “I’ll be back.” Born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1947, he entered talent competitions at […]
The Queen of Reggae Gets Her Groove On at Groovin’ In The Park
“This is My Moment,” said Marcia Griffiths, “And I’m Gonna Live It.” Marcia Griffiths, the undisputed Queen of reggae, hit Jamaica Queens NYC to celebate 50 years in the music biz at Groovin in the Park this June 29. Now in its 4th year, Groovin in the Park is an upscale affair that attracted 25,000 […]
Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths, Chronixx & Air Supply Headline Groovin in the Park 2014
Legends of Reggae, Dancehall and Pure Pop Come Together June 29 At Roy Wilkins Park Remember the days when love used to reign? We danced all night to the songs they played. Well good news—we can come again, and do it just the same! When? This Sunday June 29. Where? Roy Wilkins Park, Jamaica Queens, […]