Curtis Campbell–
The Chairman of the Jamaica Association of Vintage Artists and Affiliates (JAVAA), Frankie Campbell, is wishing singer John Holt a speedy and lasting recovery, following his recent collapse onstage at the One Love Festival in Springfield in the United Kingdom.
Campbell told The Sunday Gleaner that the I Want A Love I Can Feel singer did an operation last month and was, perhaps, back in action too early.
“I just think he went back to performing too early. We don’t want to lose anybody else at this point in Jamaican music – certainly, not Holt,” Campbell said.
The JAVAA chairman and bass player in Fab 5 Band also encourages performers to ensure that they are covered by an effective health-insurance policy, as sickness and death are inevitable.
“We want to know that our musicians are healthy as possible. In Fab 5, we have an insurance programme, because health is vital. We can’t afford to lose somebody like Holt, because he is one of the few living vintage artistes who have been holding up the music in the four corners of earth,” Campbell said.
“John has been extensively touring and we want him to continue spreading the music.”
The singer continues to receive treatment at an undisclosed location.
The 2014 One Love Festival was dedicated to the memory of Nelson Mandela. The second live stage at the venue was renamed The Madiba Stage this year, in honor of the late freedom fighter and former president of South Africa. The stage was formerly called Soul Adventurers.
The line-up included Cocoa Tea, John Holt, The Wailing Souls, Brushy One String, Cornel Campbell with Soothsayers, Macka B and the Roots Reggae Band, Michael Prophet, Addis Pablo, Gary Clail Sound System, Gorgon Sound System featuring Bunny Lee, King Kong, Nerieus Joseph with Sereus Band, Jesse Royal, Apache Indian, Saxon Sound Marque.
John Holt started his musical career in 1963 with I Cried a Tear, a record produced by Leslie Kong. However, his prominence locally came as the lead singer of The Paragons. They recorded several hit records like On The Beach, Smiling Face, Wear You To The Ball, for producer Duke Reid at his Treasure Isle Studio.
Holt left The Paragons in 1970 and concentrated on his solo career with hits, Stick By Me, Stealing Stealing, Ali Baba, I See Your Face, My Heart Is Gone, coming by 1972.
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