Holt was approached by producer Leslie Kong after becoming familiar with Jamaica’s Vere Johns Opportunity Hour talent show, where he gained experience. Kong encouraged Holt to record an array of songs that combined sophisticated arrangements with new cultural lyrics.
He led his Paragons hits “Man Next Door (covered by UB40 and the Slits) and The Tide Is High” to number one in Britain, demonstrating his adeptness at trojan’s no-holds barred sound that combined light pop melodies with deep roots rhythms.
Paragons
The Paragons were one of Jamaica’s premiere harmony groups during the ska and rocksteady era, boasting three talented songwriters in Keith Anderson (known as Bob Andy), Garth Evans (sometimes Tyrone Evans) and Junior Menz, known as Junior Menz today. Starting life as The Binders but later changing name due to Leroy Stamp leaving and John Holt joining, The Paragons went on to record three albums together as the remaining trio.
The Paragon’s early success on the charts appeared to foretell their lasting popularity; throughout the 1960s they continued performing rock and roll revival shows and recording new versions of traditional material.
At their formation in Brooklyn, The Paragons first recorded for Winley label – also home of The Jesters – with “Florence,” b/w “Hey Small School Gal,” being an immediate local hit. Following this initial success they recorded one for Musicraft which proved also highly successful before eventually signing with Touch Records where their debut charting single, “If,” was released and garnered success with critics and audiences alike. Led by business lead Julius McMichael who provided them with their unique New York-centered doo wop sound that made Touch Records their own label in their initial years of recording history.
After signing with producer Arthur “Duke” Reid, The Paragons made an instantaneous impact with their first release – an a cappella rendition of “Happy Go Lucky Girl.” On its B side was a cover version of American R&B classic “The Vows of Love”, misprinted as “Doll Baby.”
After his departure, The Paragons continued making hits; including their cover of “I Love to Sing” by Sam Cooke. Unfortunately, with rocksteady’s rise came less popularity for them and eventually split up in 1970.
Holt quickly established himself as an influential songwriter, producing singers such as Ken Boothe and Roslyn Sweet. Additionally, he established an extensive business empire. In 2007, Holt was honored by being honored by being inducted into the International Reggae Hall of Fame.
Trojan Records
Trojan Records made an immediate mark in UK reggae charts thanks to its string of hits from Dave & Ansel Collins’ ‘Double Barrel,’ Bruce Ruffin, Greyhound, Dandy Livingstone and John Holt – as well as other artists like Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs and Bob Marley and the Wailers who would become major international recording stars over time.
One reason for Trojan’s early growth was a growing working-class youth movement in England known as skinheads who embraced Jamaican music as part of their culture; their upbeat sound and rebellious spirit attracted them, as did knowing many artists were from Britain’s black communities. Trojan marketed its releases through London’s major sound systems and reggae clubs; also they distributed via Musicland and Muzik City record shops which brought mainstream audiences for them, propelling them back to mainstream popularity not seen since rocksteady/ska’s early 70s days!
Trojan Records was unstoppable during this decade, as Toots and the Maytals, Desmond Dekker, and Jimmy Cliff ascended British Pop charts with ease. Additionally, compilation albums like Trojan Hits, Dancing Time, Reggae Goes Pop were added to its library, while its production team continued producing hit after hit for this iconic label.
Trojan Records took steps to make their releases more radio-friendly while the BBC continued its opposition, including overdubbing strings on some master recordings. Though met with opposition from purists, this practice proved essential in spreading reggae outside Jamaica and giving some of its top artists like Bob Andy and Marcia Griffith’s stunning cover of Nina Simone’s ‘Young Gifted and Black.’ A year later they issued studio album Bob Marley and the Wailers’ Soul Rebels which reached No.5 on UK charts
Henry ‘Junjo’ Lawes
Henry “Junjo” Lawes began his musical career by singing with Grooving Locks; however, after not receiving much response he switched to production instead and recorded for Thompson Sound and Jah Life labels before joining forces with Barrington Levy at Channel One studio to produce Bounty Hunter – an album which catapulted both men to prominence on the dancehall scene. Junjo soon become one of Kingston’s premier producers using Roots Radics rhythms mixed by Hopeton Brown (known as Heavyweight Dub Mixer), quickly becoming one of Kingston’s premier producers.
His sound was darker and heavier than those of revolutionary rockers at the time, yet more intimate than many revolutionary rockers of today. Early productions saw Cocoa Tea and Yellowman featured, before later branching out with new talents such as Ninjaman, Shaka Shamba and Josey Wales being recorded for recording sessions. He became renowned as an early precursor of lovers rock.
His later recordings, however, were often less successful. His 1976 single ‘Up Park Camp’, for instance, was an angry protest against marijuana plantations operations; and two years later he issued the song “Police in Helicopter”, denouncing Jamaica’s crackdown against pot farms.
Work in the 1970s with singers such as Winston McAuley, Donovan Bailey and Horace Andy was less fruitful. However, in 1976 he took up drumming and toured Europe; unfortunately his success in Britain was short-lived; nevertheless in 1973 Trojan Records released 1000 Volts of Holt featuring covers with string arrangements; although this album didn’t do particularly well on Reggae charts it did achieve great success within British Pop charts.
Time is the Master was an even more successful effort under Harry Mudie’s production. Holt’s cover of Country singer Sammi Smith’s “Help Me Make it Through the Night” hit UK charts at number 42 proving he could do well both as an artist in Reggae and Pop charts.
Reggae Sunsplash
Reggae Sunsplash’s long history is evidenced by some constants – workmen would still be building the stage two to three hours after its scheduled kick-off time on opening night and even today the MCs are quick to apologize when an artist arrives a few minutes late. One thing remains constant however; that being crowds’ love of reggae music; one strategy implemented by its organisers of inviting top artists and allowing them to test out how it resonates with Jamaican audiences has proven successful.
Holt quickly established himself as one of Jamaica’s premier adult artists in the ’70s, producing a range of reggae-infused pop songs and MOR covers that quickly rose through the charts. He collaborated with producer Junjo Lawes on Up Park Camp (1976). Junjo’s deep earthy rhythms proved ideal accompaniment for Holt who shed his family entertainer image to reinvent himself as an artistic cultural hero – his title song even addressed controversial subject such as American-funded efforts to wipe out marijuana fields across Jamaica which had caused much local outrage amongst residents at its release!
This album quickly became a success in Jamaica and quickly spread throughout the global reggae community, helping to increase international popularity of reggae music and contribute to the establishment of Florida’s Reggae Sunsplash festival, featuring top artists from Jamaica as well as other parts of the globe.
As a recording artist, Holt continued his success through the mid ’80s. 1986’s The John Holt Christmas Album features traditional reggae numbers along with seasonal favourites from artists like Slade and Mud – making this an excellent way to bring some festive spirit into everyday life!
By the end of the decade, Holt was beginning to feel threatened by younger and more daring producers. While he continued working in studio with JoJo Hookim and Bunny Lee (reunited), his output did not match that of earlier.