John Holt was a prolific Jamaican singer and songwriter whose work predominantly spanned the genres of reggae, rocksteady, and ska. Born on July 11, 1947, in Kingston, Jamaica, Holt's smooth vocals and romantic lyricism earned him a revered place in the pantheon of Jamaican music legends. He first rose to prominence in the 1960s as the lead singer of The Paragons, where he penned the classic "The Tide Is High," a track that later saw international success with a cover by Blondie. Following his tenure with The Paragons, Holt embarked on a successful solo career, releasing a multitude of albums and singles that further cemented his legacy in the reggae genre.

Throughout his career, John Holt became known for his unique ability to infuse love and heartfelt emotion into his music, a trait that made albums such as "20 Golden Love Songs" and "Slow Dancing" resonate with audiences around the world. His contributions to reggae were not limited to love songs, as evidenced by his politically tinged and socially conscious releases like "Reggae From The Ghetto." Holt's versatility and distinctive voice led him to collaborate with several notable producers, including Bunny Lee, which resulted in acclaimed releases like "Island Reggae (Bunny 'Striker' Lee 50th Anniversary Edition)." Celebrated for his gentle, soulful style, John Holt's music continues to influence a new generation of artists and reggae enthusiasts alike, solidifying his position as a timeless icon in the music industry.

Genres

Dub

Lovers Rock

Reggae

Rocksteady

Roots Reggae

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UB40

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Maxi Priest

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Latest Release

Night of Love

John Holt

Album - 15 Tracks - Released July 12, 2024