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

Junior Giscombe's Music Journey

Junior Giscombe was born in Wandsworth, London, England. He started his music career as a backing singer. From 1980 to 1982, he sang with a band called Linx.

Early Music and First Hits

In the early 1970s, Junior worked with friends to start a record label. They released a song called "Nice and Slow". Junior later said this song reached number one in Australia.

Around 1978 or 1979, he recorded "Get Up And Dance". This song was released in 1980. Junior mentioned it reached number one in France. It also topped the Billboard Breakout Chart.

Junior then began his solo career, simply using the name Junior. In 1982, his song "Mama Used to Say" became a big hit. It reached number 7 on the UK Singles Chart. Junior also stated it was number one on the US Cashbox chart. This song was also a top 40 pop hit in the United States. It was a top 5 R&B hit there too. Billboard magazine gave him a "Best Newcomer" award.

His next song, "Too Late (Junior)", also did well in the UK. It reached the top 20. In 1983, Junior released "Unison". This song was popular on the U.S. Dance Charts. Junior claimed it reached number one, but official records show it peaked at number 16.

Collaborations and Later Work

Around 1984 and 1985, Junior worked with Phil Lynott. Phil was the leader of the band Thin Lizzy. They recorded several songs together. Sadly, Phil Lynott passed away in 1986. Most of these songs were never officially released. Some are available online as demos.

After some time away from the music charts, Junior returned in 1987. He sang a duet with Kim Wilde. Their song was "Another Step (Closer to You)". It reached number 6 in the UK. Junior also said it reached number 3 in France.

Junior also used his music to support social causes. In 1986, he helped form Red Wedge. This group included artists like Billy Bragg and Paul Weller. In 1984, he was part of the Council Collective. They released a fundraising song called "Soul Deep". In 1992, Junior performed at a Labour rally in Sheffield. He sang "Move On Up" by Curtis Mayfield.

Junior also became a songwriter for other artists. One artist he wrote for was Sheena Easton. In 2008, Junior sang "A Change Is Gonna Come". This song was originally by Sam Cooke. He performed it with the Virtual Jazz Band. This performance was later released in 2011.

In 2010, Junior performed "Mama Used to Say" again. He sang it with the Virtual Jazz Band at London's Jazz Cafe.

In 2014, Junior formed "The British Collective". He joined with other British artists like Don-E and Omar. In 2017, Junior appeared on Mike City's album. He sang on a song called "Sang and Dance". His song "Sweet Tender Love" was released in 2024. It reached number 15 on the UK Heritage Chart.

Junior Giscombe's Family Life

Junior Giscombe grew up as the youngest of eight children.

He met his childhood sweetheart, Nardia, when he was 19. She was 17 at the time. They stayed together until she passed away. Nardia was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 24. She died in 2008 at 50 years old. Junior and Nardia had two children together. Their second child, Jenique, also had multiple sclerosis. She was diagnosed in 2008, six months before her mother's death. Jenique passed away in May 2017. Junior dedicated his 2020 album, "Everything Set", to her memory.

Junior Giscombe is the uncle of British comedian Richard Blackwood. Richard Blackwood used a part of "Mama Used to Say" in his own song. This was for his single "Mama – Who Da Man" in June 2000.

Junior Giscombe's Music Releases

Junior Giscombe has released many albums and singles. Here are some of his main works.

Albums

Studio Albums

Singles