John Holt
Reggae Superweight

 

Interview by Hutchie Simeon
Photograph by
Originally published: Autumn 1992

Allow me to introduce John Holt, one of the true superweights of reggae. There is no title unclaimable; no height he has not attained. I would like to add, there is no sweeter melody in one voice anywhere in the world of reggae music.

Growing up in Jamaica, Holt claims his youth was "on the ordinary level, nothing extravagant." He attended school at Greenwich Town Primary and Kingston College High School, where cricket gave his musical tendencies some stiff competition. Musically, he was influenced by American artists such as Nat King Cole, Bobby Darren, and The Drifters before developing his own style.

John Holt's musical career began at the age of twelve when he won the Vere Johns Opportunity Hour talent contest. Afterward, Leslie Kong of Beverly Recording Company enlisted Holt's first single. Although it was not a big seller, Forever I Will Stay entered RJR's chart on the top ten.

Since then, Holt has counted three decades in the music business and numerous hits, but he is still remembered for his glory days with The Paragons. Classics like Wear You to the Ball and The Tide is High still endure today as remakes for UB40 and Blondie.

The years have proven that John Holt is one of the most consistent singers in reggae. His records have topped both the Jamaican and British charts with over forty number-ones to his credit. He claims five different million sellers and a Grammy nomination for 1000 VOLTS OF HOLT. Additionally, Holt is an accomplished guitarist and pianist.

Holt is a lover of children and considers his own children his greatest achievement. Recently, Holt helped the youths in his community to get a football team started by purchasing their first set of gear.

While on tour with Sunsplash USA, Holt took time from his afternoon rest to chat with me about many things, including South Africa, Nelson Mandela, the economic situation in Jamaica, the importance of education and the musical history of John Holt. The conversation began with my asking him about his fame as a youthful cricketer.

You're known as a cricketer. Is it true that you played Sunlight Cup cricket?

Yeah, I was playing good cricket and was even on the verge of playing for West Indies Team. I was an opening batsman and was being groomed to make it big in that sport. I also kept wicket and sometimes would try at bowling. I would not categorize myself as an all-rounder, as when I was growing up I was stocky and may not have possessed the agility for the outfield, but I was an excellent batsman. I used to train with people like Lawrence Rowe and Uton Dowe, but I gave that up because of my involvement and commitment to the music business.

How did you get linked up with the other members of that famous singing group, "The Paragons?"

We were down King Street one day, I and Tyrone Evans, Barry and some other brethren, so we went over to Kingston Parish Church and form up the whole Paragons group. Those brethren was already involved in a group with Bob Andy and Tyrone so we all tuned in and call the group Paragons. The group consisted of Bob Andy, Tyrone Evans, Howard Barrett and John Holt.

Let's talk about The Paragon's fame.

We had hits like Happy-Go-Lucky Girl, Wear You to the Ball, The Tide Is High, On the Beach, Look What Love Has Done to Me, Memories by the Score and a whole lot of hits. Most outstanding was that all the songs we recorded went to number one on both charts (RJR and JBC).

Since things were going well for the group, what caused you to go different ways?

Mainly because of different opportunities. Not all of us were totally committed to a career in music or singing. One member was involved in telecommunications and got a scholarship to a university in the United States. During those times in Jamaica, it would be considered unwise to give up the offer of a degree in telecommunications for a singing career.

What was the music like in Jamaica before the creation of the reggae beat?

Quite interesting. I remember those days when it was rock 'n' roll, rock steady and those things. When I started out, the dance was ska and the Skatalites used to dominate. Most of the hits were instrumental. Then it changed and vocals became more popular, leading up to rock steady and now reggae.

John, you played excellent cricket, a short stint with the Paragons paid off handsomely, then you went solo and did even better. What is the secret of your continued success?

To keep on trying and go with the flow, to be the singer and not the song.

What about the physical and mental?

Those are extremely important. Sometimes one gets frustrated over expectations, like a certain song may not achieve a certain goal. I always try to keep myself on one continuous groove and resist all the temptations. No unnecessary bleaching (staying up all night), no unnecessary drinking of alcohol. I eat one main meal daily for many years and mostly I eat fish. The sea is where I hang out. I do a lot of swimming and diving. I love the beach; this is where I get most of my physical exercise. I enjoy the water and the atmosphere on the beach. Mentally, I have a keen interest in my surroundings and current happenings. That's how I maintain level vibes. Neither do I aggravate myself over what the other guy is doing. Instead, I discipline myself to put my energy to more productive things. I always try to write a better song so I can improve my presentation everytime.

You have over forty number one hits. How many of your creations have struck gold?

I think it's about five. Tell Me Why" covered by Musical Youth, O.K. Fred by Erroll Dunckley, The Tide Is High by Blondie, and there are two more by UB40, Wear You to the Ball and Stick By Me. Most outstanding is the one by Blondie; she did a good version of The Tide Is High and sold over eight million copies.

Didn't you once live in England?

I lived in England for a period of time during the days when 1000 VOLTS OF HOLT was number one on the British album chart and Help Me Make It Through the Night was number one on the BBC chart. I even have a son that was born there.

Do you want to talk about some of your experiences in Europe?

My experience inna England was like, it was the first I was ver treated and felt like a complete mega-star, thanks to Tony Ashfield, who was then my manager, and the administration and functioning of the entire tour. I loved it; I have no complaint.

John, can you tell us about your many tour experiences?

Yeah. Places like Japan and those are sweet. The people of Japan go for reggae one hundred percent. The moment the first note strikes, they just keep on jumping, giving you, the artist, high vibrations. Japan is just wonderful. Canada is sweet but reggae needs some more support. The West Indies population in Canada is big, so the market is there. I think those folks are getting too North Americanized. Europe on a whole is John Holt's territory. Albums like 1000 VOLTS OF HOLT, FURTHER YOU LOOK, JOHN HOLT SINGS FOR I, DUSTY ROAD and many more are very popular in Europe. Here in America the audience is nice and dem jump to the music, but many do not appreciate the roots of reggae like in Europe. In the early days over there, they called reggae "bluebeat," so the music is grounded there, while here in the states most of the audience is just getting hip to the reggae beat and do not know anything other than what's presently on the market.

I have never seen much of John Holt on stage in Jamaica over the years. Why?

Mainly because I am often away from Jamaica. I have constantly been invited to most of the big shows, but missed them due to other obligations made in advance. This Sunsplash tour will be my first comprehensive U.S. tour. I have made appearances in various cities at different times but never a complete tour.

How much longer can we rely on you to charm the audience? How many more years can we expect?

Unestimated amount, "cause a man is as old as he feels" and right now I don't find any changes in me. None at all - no illness, no nothing. It's the power of God that move I-man to go on.

If you should quit the music business, what would your future be like?

I think my future would be bright. I always prepare for the rainy days 'cause, in this business, you have to make your own pension and so far I have done well. On the active part, I would volunteer to lecture children in schools on career opportunities and music. I would want to encourage them to focus on their talents and build up morals toward careers.

What is your stance on religion?

I consider that private, but it's just Rastafari, the Almighty God without any apology. This is my source of inspiration. It open I-man eyes to friends and enemies, persecutors and backbiters. It makes one identify the thorns from the rose - that's what the faith and inspiration of His Majesty I does.

You are a role model to thousands of young talents; were you influenced by someone yourself?

Funny enough, when I was much younger, I used to sing exactly like Frankie Lyman, with that high, fine pitch. Next person I would pattern was Nat King Cole. Then I would sing Bobby Darren's songs like Oh Please Diana. Look out for that one on my next album, it will be targeting the country and western folks. From there I moved on to The Drifters with Ben E. King until I-man just go right into I-self.

Do you still have favorites?

In this time, it's hard to keep up with all the new artists, both in Jamaica and internationally. And with the rate new songs are released, it is hard to get stuck on any one person. My choice is always a favorite song, regardless of the singer. I-man collect all records.

You teamed up with Dennis Brown and did a hit song a few years ago.

Yes. The song was Wild Fire, a favorite all over the world and number one on many charts. The song was my idea, but Dennis wrote his verses. Because of the success of that song, we went on to record five more songs, which were produced in England. We then linked up with this producer guy named Todd, whose wish was to complete the album in Jamaica. So we met in Jamaican and completed the album. I would like to say "hi" to Todd. Where are you? How are you doing? Give me a call!

Do you have any new material forthcoming?

Look out for an album by the name of CULTURAL ROCK. The lyrics tell some wonderful stories while the rhythm is dancehall. There is an album presently on the marked called SLOW DANCING. It's a fantastic album, all cover songs, none written my myself, but it was done extremely well.

I would like to take your mind off reggae for just a moment. What do you think of the transition taking place in South Africa?

Right now I am on tour with some South Africans. These are good folks, but what I gathered makes me confused. There are big talks among black South Africans that we blacks outside of Africa are sons and daughters of slaves, whereas they are sons and daughters of kings and queens. Now let me ask all those South Africans one question, knowing that I an' I have always defended our people, trying to uplift them out of the poverty-stricken livity and subhuman conditions. This is the question: Before our forepeople were taken out of Africa by force, who were they? Sons and daughters of who? We are mindful of our heritage, 'cause our people were not volunteers, and we know as free black people that we owed it to them to return to Africa and live there. I still wish the best for black South Africans, but I wish for them to desist such prejudice. I found such slander to be very wrong.

I also think that Mandela has not lived up to expectations since his release from jail. He wouldn't denounce violence to secure an earlier release, but he opted to a peaceful, negotiated settlement with the racist white South African government, which has not achieved much. The process is too slow. I personally was expecting a bloody war. The black people would have nothing to lose, as they are the ones being killed, whether they fight or not.

Back home in Jamaica we are facing some of the hardest times ever. Do you think things will change for the better?

Things are going to change. As Marcus Garvey once said, "Black people won't know themselves until their back is against the wall," and that is happening right now. Not that we have color prejudice or segregation, because you know that I an' I are free from that type of behavior. Marcus Garvey also said, "Wherever there are more sellers than buyers . . .," then it's time to defend your food and property.

Presently, in Jamaica, everyone is selling and no one wants to buy. The people are now rallying to help stabilize the economy by trading their foreign currency directly to the banks. This trend, if continued, will steady the economy and keep the price of basic food items within the reach of poor people. We cannot put our trust in IMF, World Bank, United States, Europe or Japan, 'cause they would all wish the downpression of I an' I-man's country. The superpowers and developed countries' strategy is to destabilize third world countries in order to make megabucks on the loans.

Well, seeing that I an' I as Rasta are plentiful in Jamaica, and as we always speak out because the truth shall set you free, I an' I are now instilled with the movement of His Majesty I, whether one grow locks or not. Now the eyes are open and the realization (is that) we, and only we, can save our country. I-man have a message for all Jamaicans living abroad: Do something for your country. Send some money back home because we need the foreign exchange to help us shed the burden of the IMF. Quite recently, the ratio was one U.S. dollar to thirty-two Jamaican dollars, but with a united effort, the ratio is down to twenty-three to one U.S. The trend is exciting.

So if those sons and daughters living abroad wish to lend a hand, the time is ripe. If you are not Jamaican deserters, then tune in. We need this type of zest, a rapid movement, as we cannot wait on finance minister's speeches and dialogue in trying to secure some IMF loan and superpower handouts. A small country like Jamaica will have to wait maybe three years to talk to a U.S. President, and the talk only lasts for two minutes. We need to depend on ourselves. All the foreigners want is to have Jamaica as a place to chill out on vacation, listen to reggae music, drink jelly coconut water and soak up the sun on the beach. That won't change. They will always have their wish. So do not depend on foreign governments to rescue us; we need to defend ourselves. Appealing to all Jamaicans abroad, pick up the vibes, forget political rivalry and support your country by sending some money to your relatives back home or invest in your country.

Is there a word of wisdom from John Holt for the younger ones?

To the kids in school, always remember that the teacher is your boss and don't disrespect he or she in school. It is very important that you respect your teacher 'cause they know what you don't and are trying to pass it on to you. Try to get a good education, 'cause in Earth, if you aren't born with talent, you will need a good education. To all young, talented musicians, before you start out, get your things in the right organization, like your writing. Get your lyrics properly organized. Also get your work registered through whatever copyright source is available. You will have to protect your lyrics from the first day or you are sure to run into some problems later.

Thanks, John, and may Jah be with you always.

Rastafari guide and protect you my brethren, Hutchie Simeon. May His Majesty guide and protect. Jan Love, Rastafari, honor.