Junior Giscombe facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Junior Giscombe
Junior performing in 2019.
Background information
Birth name	Norman Washington Giscombe
Also known as	Junior
Born	(1957-06-06) 6 June 1957 (age 68) Wandsworth, London, England
Origin	London, England
Genres	R&B, soul, funk, pop, disco, jazz, new jack swing
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter, music producer
Years active	1971/72–present
Labels	Mercury Records
Associated acts	Ruby Turner, Kim Wilde, Mumzy Stranger

Norman Washington "Junior" Giscombe (born 6 June 1957), known simply as Junior, is an English singer and songwriter. He was one of the first British R&B artists to become famous in the United States. He is most famous for his 1982 hit song, "Mama Used to Say".

Junior Giscombe's Music Career

Junior Giscombe was born in Wandsworth, London, England. Before starting his solo career, he sang backing vocals for the band Linx from 1980 to 1982.

In the early to mid-1970s, Junior worked with friends to start a record label in South London. They released a song called "Nice and Slow," which Junior said reached number one in Australia. Later, in 1980, he released "Get Up And Dance/Hot Up And Heated." Junior has mentioned this song reached number one in France and on the Billboard Breakout Chart.

"Mama Used to Say" and Early Hits

When Junior started his solo career, he used just the name Junior. In 1982, his song "Mama Used to Say" became a big hit, reaching number 7 on the UK Singles Chart. Junior has also said that this song reached number one on the US Cashbox chart.

"Mama Used to Say" was also very popular in the United States. It became a top 40 pop song and a top 5 R&B hit. Because of this success, Billboard magazine gave him a "Best Newcomer" award. His next song, "Too Late," also made it into the top 20 in the UK.

In 1983, Junior released "Unison." This song did well on the U.S. Dance Charts, reaching number 16.

Later Music and Collaborations

Around 1984 and 1985, Junior Giscombe recorded several songs with Phil Lynott. Phil Lynott was the lead singer and bass player of the rock band Thin Lizzy. Sadly, Phil Lynott passed away in 1986, and these songs were never officially released. Some of them can be found online, like "What's the Matter Baby" and "Time (and Again)."

After some time away from the music charts, Junior returned in 1987. He sang a duet with Kim Wilde called "Another Step (Closer to You)". This song reached number 6 in the UK Singles Chart. Junior also said it reached number 3 in the French Charts.

Later, Junior became well-known for writing songs for other artists, such as Sheena Easton. In 2008, he performed a version of "A Change Is Gonna Come," a famous song by Sam Cooke. He performed it with the Virtual Jazz Band, and this version was released in 2011. On April 15, 2010, Junior performed "Mama Used to Say" with the Virtual Jazz Band at the Jazz Cafe in London.

In 2014, Junior Giscombe helped form a group called "The British Collective." He joined other British artists like Don-E, Noel McKoy, and Omar. In 2017, Junior was featured on a song called "Sang and Dance" on Mike City's album The Feel Good Agenda, Vol. 1. His song "Sweet Tender Love" was released in 2024 and reached number 15 on the UK Heritage Chart.

Junior Giscombe's Personal Life

Junior Giscombe grew up as the youngest of eight children.

He met his childhood girlfriend, Nardia, when he was 19 and she was 17. They stayed together until she passed away in 2008 at the age of 50. Nardia had a serious illness called multiple sclerosis. Junior and Nardia had two children together. Their second child, Jenique, was also diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2008. She sadly passed away in May 2017. Junior dedicated his 2020 album, "Everyting Set," to his daughter's memory.

Junior Giscombe is the uncle of British comedian Richard Blackwood. Richard Blackwood used parts of Junior's song "Mama Used to Say" in his own song "Mama – Who Da Man" in June 2000.

Discography

Albums

Singles