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Judy Boucher
Born Saint Vincent, Caribbean
Genres Reggae, reggae-pop, lovers rock, R&B
Occupation(s) Singer, songwriter
Instruments Vocals
Years active 1970s–present
Labels Orbitone, Kufe

Judy Boucher is a talented singer from St. Vincent in the Caribbean. She is famous for her reggae and R&B music.

Her first solo song, "Dreaming of a Little Island," became a big hit in 1985. But she is most famous for her song "Can't Be with You Tonight," which was a huge success worldwide in 1987. This song reached number 2 on the music charts in the United Kingdom.

Judy Boucher's Music Journey

Before becoming a solo artist, Judy sang in her brother's band, Judy Jack and the Beanstalk. Her music career really took off around the 1970s.

In 1985, a songwriter named Felix Da Silva needed a singer for his songs. Judy recorded several of them, including "Dreaming of a Little Island." This song became number 1 on the reggae charts. It was even used as the theme song for the Jamaica Tourist Board!

An album called Can't Be with You Tonight was released. This album helped Judy become an international star by the end of 1987. The main song from the album, "Can't Be with You Tonight," was released as a single. It became a huge hit around the world in 1987.

How "Can't Be with You Tonight" Became a Hit

Lizzie Webb, a famous TV exercise instructor in the UK, heard the song while driving. She loved it so much that she decided to use it for her exercise routines. People in the UK started asking about the song.

Judy's producer released the song to meet this demand. This was Judy's first time on the national music charts. The song almost reached number 1, staying at number 2 for four weeks in the UK. It was also a hit in many other countries, including the Netherlands, Ireland, Switzerland, France, Greece, Spain, and the Philippines.

Tours and International Fame

One of the most exciting parts of Judy's career was her tour in Belgium. At one show, 40,000 people held up lighted candles and chanted "Judy Boucher" as she sang.

She also received a surprising call from South Africa, where her music was very popular. She visited South Africa, but due to a boycott at the time, she couldn't perform there. However, she toured other African countries like Swaziland and Namibia. She appeared on TV, radio, and in clubs. People were so excited to see her that they brought her gifts like animals, gold, and clothes!

Her next song, "You Caught My Eye," was another national hit in the UK, reaching number 18. After this, Judy toured the Middle East, visiting places like Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE. In 1988–1989, Judy took a break from music. She returned in late 1989 with a new record company and producer.

Special Achievements

Judy Boucher holds a special record. She is the first female singer from the Caribbean to stay on the national music charts for fourteen weeks in 1987. This was a very long time!

Because of her amazing achievements, the government of St. Vincent invited Judy as a special guest of honor. She is still an ambassador for her home country. This means she represents St. Vincent to the world.

Judy Boucher's Music Albums and Singles

Here is a list of some of the albums and singles Judy Boucher has released.

Albums

Year Album UK
1986 Can't Be with You Tonight 95
1993 Tears on My Pillow
1994 Devoted to You
1996 Take Me as I Am
1998 Take Your Memory with You
2000 Can't Be with You Tonight (CD version)
2001 New Way to Say Love
2003 Just the Two of Us
Not This Time
2005 The Best of Judy Boucher (compilation, released in South Africa)
2007 Sunshine and Dreams
"—" means the album did not appear on the charts.

Singles

Year Single UK
Certifications
1985 "Dreaming of a Little Island"
1986 "My Heart Is Yearning"
"Lovely Paradise"
1987 "Can't Be with You Tonight" 2
"You Caught My Eye" 18
1990 "Almost Certainly"
1992 "Sweet Dreams" / "Beneath Still Waters"
"Tears on My Pillow" / "Am I That Easy to Forget"
"—" means the single did not appear on the charts.
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