John Holt, a legendary Ska, Rocksteady and Reggae singer and songwriter was born John Kenneth Holt, In Kingston (July 11,1947 – October 16, 2014).
In 1963 he initiated his musical career with the single “I Cried A Tear” produced by Leslie Kong. He also recorded duets with Alton Ellis that same year.
In 1964 he joined the pioneer Rocksteady group, the Paragons as a replacement for the lead singer, John Stamp. One of the Paragon’s most famous recordings “The Tide Is High” was written by Holt and was made popular in 1980 by British Pop singer, Blondie. During his time with the Paragons, he also recorded solo materials for Studio One including the hit “A Love I Can Feel”
In 1970 he left the Paragons in order to focus exclusively on his solo career.
By 1972 he established himself as one of the biggest Reggae singers in Jamaica and his single “Stick By Me” became the number one selling record on the Island.
In 2004 he was awarded by the Jamaican government with the honour of Order of Distinction for his outstanding contribution to the development of Jamaican music.
On October, 19, 2014, at the age of 67, he passed away in a hospital in London, England.
Jablespañol’s Top 10 Greatest Songs By John Holt
1. Stranger (1970)
2. Ali Baba (1969)
3. A Love I Can Feel (1970)
4. Carpenter
5. Man Next Door
6. Tonight I’ll Be Lonely
7. If You Let Me
8 Do You Love Me
9 Left With A Broken Heart
10 The Tide Is High