John Holt (singer) facts for kids

John Kenneth Holt CD (born July 11, 1947 – died October 19, 2014) was a famous Jamaican reggae singer. He first became well-known as a member of a group called The Paragons. Later, he became a very successful solo artist, meaning he sang by himself. He was given the Order of Distinction (CD) for his amazing contributions to Jamaican music.

Early Life

John Holt was born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1947. His mother, Amy, was a nurse. Even when he was just 12 years old, John often entered talent shows in Jamaican theaters. He won 28 of these contests! Some of his performances were even broadcast live on Radio Jamaica.

Music Career and Achievements

John Holt recorded his first song in 1963. It was called "Forever I'll Stay." He also sang a duet, "Rum Bumper," with Alton Ellis.

Joining The Paragons

In 1965, John Holt joined a group that later became known as The Paragons. The group included Bob Andy, Garth "Tyrone" Evans, and Howard Barrett. They started by recording for Clement "Coxsone" Dodd's Studio One.

Later, they recorded many hit songs for Duke Reid at his Treasure Isle Studio. This was during the rocksteady music era, from 1966 to 1968. Some of their big hits were "Ali Baba," "Tonight," and "I See Your Face." John Holt also wrote "The Tide Is High," which became famous later when Blondie and Atomic Kitten covered it. Another hit was "Wear You to the Ball."

Becoming a Solo Star

After The Paragons group ended, John Holt focused on his solo career. He recorded for many different producers. By the early 1970s, he was one of the biggest stars in reggae music. His song "Stick By Me" was the best-selling Jamaican record in 1972.

In 1973, he released a successful album called Time Is The Master. This album featured orchestral music recorded in London. This led to Trojan Records releasing more albums with similar sounds. One of these was 1,000 Volts of Holt in 1973. This album was a collection of popular songs that John Holt had covered in a reggae style. It included his UK Top 10 hit "Help Me Make It Through the Night," which reached number 6 on the charts. He also covered songs like "Just the Way You Are" by Billy Joel and "Touch Me in the Morning" by Diana Ross.

John Holt continued to have success in Jamaica in 1976 with "Up Park Camp." His success lasted into the 1980s with songs like "Police in Helicopter." He also gave a great performance at the 1982 Reggae Sunsplash festival.

Later Career and Recognition

John Holt kept touring regularly. He performed several times at the Sunsplash festival in the 1990s. He also performed in the United Kingdom with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. A live album from these shows was released in 2001.

In 2004, the Jamaican government honored him with the Order of Distinction (Commander Class). This award recognized his important contributions to Jamaican music.

John Holt's singing style was often slower and more romantic than many other artists of his time. This style helped create the "lovers rock" type of reggae music. His song "Man Next Door" has been covered by many other reggae artists, including Dennis Brown and UB40.

Personal Life and Passing

John Holt became ill in August 2014 and sadly passed away on October 19, 2014, in London. He had been diagnosed with colon cancer a few months before.

He is survived by his wife, Valerie, his 12 children, and 25 grandchildren. His funeral was held on November 17 in Kingston, Jamaica. Many famous musicians performed at his funeral, including U-Roy, Ken Boothe, and Luciano. He was buried at Dovecot Memorial Park.

Album Discography

• A Love I Can Feel (1971), Bamboo
• Like a Bolt (1971), Treasure Isle
• OK Fred (1972), Melodisc
• Holt (1973), Jaguar
• Still in Chains (1973), Trojan
• Pledging My Love (1972), Jackpot/Trojan
• Time Is the Master (1973), Moodisc
• Presenting the Fabulous John Holt (1974), Magnet
• The Further You Look (1974), Trojan
• Dusty Roads (1974), Trojan
• Sings for I (1974), Trojan
• A Love I Can Feel (1974), Attack
• Don't Break Your Promise (1974), Lord Koos
• Before the Next Tear Drop (1976), Klik
• Up Park Camp (1976), Channel One
• World of Love (1977), Justice
• Channel One Presents the Magnificent John Holt (1977), Channel One
• Roots of Holt (1977), Trojan
• Showcase (New Disco Style) (1977), Thunderbolt
• Holt Goes Disco (1977), Trojan
• In Demand (1978), Dynamic Sounds
• Let It Go On (1978), Trojan
• Super Star (1978), Weed Beat
• The Impressable John Holt (Disco Mix) (1978), Harry J
• Peace in the Sun (1978), Volt
• Just a Country Boy (1978), Trojan
• Introspective (1980), Dynamic Sounds
• My Desire (1980), Jackpot
• Children of the World (1981), VP
• A1 Disco Showcase (1981), Taurus
• Just the Two of Us (1982), CSA
• Sweetie Come Brush Me (1982), Volcano
• Gold (1983), Creole
• Police in Helicopter (1983), Greensleeves/Arrival
• For Lovers and Dancers (1984), Trojan
• Live in London (1984), Very Good
• Pure Gold (1985), Vista Sounds
• Wild Fire (1985), Natty Congo/Tad's (with Dennis Brown)
• Vibes (1985), Leggo Sounds
• The Reggae Christmas Hits Album (1986), Trojan
• From One Extreme to Another (1986), Beta
• Time Is the Master (1988), Creole
• Sweetie Come Brush Me – Greatest Hits (1988), ROHIT
• Rock with Me Baby (1988), Trojan
• If I Were a Carpenter (1989)
• Why I Care (1989), Greensleeves
• Reggae, Hip House, R&B Flavor (1993)
• Reggae Peacemaker (1993), House of Reggae
• All Night Long (1997), MIL
• New Horizon (1998), VP
• John Holt in Symphony with The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra (2001), Jet Star
• Born Free (2001)
• Fist Full of Holt (2009)

Many compilation albums of John Holt's work have also been released over the years.

DVDs

• John Holt in Symphony With the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra (2003)
• John Holt & Freddie McGregor – Living Legends Live in Concert (2011)