Donovan recorded his new reggae single on holiday in Jamaica
Donovan recorded his new reggae single on holiday in Jamaica—-

Legendary 1960’s folk singer Donovan has taken a surprising new turn in his career – releasing a reggae single.

The 68-year-old songwriter, whose hits include hippy anthems Hurdy Gurdy Man and Mellow Yellow, recorded the song One English Summer in Jamaica.

He said: “I had written the song and my wife Linda and I were going to Jamaica, to celebrate my birthday.

“After we had landed, I was whisked off to the recording studio – where Linda had organised as a surprise birthday present – a recording session of One English Summer which we recorded in one take.”

It is not the first time Donovan has re-invented himself – he was briefly involved in the Madchester scene when he supported The Happy Mondays who named a track after him on one of their albums.

The singer – real name Donovan Leitch – is celebrating half a century in the music business this year with a greatest hits album and a new tour, as well as the new single.

He was aged 18 when he scored his first hit with Catch The Wind.

Press Association

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