As a member of producer Joe Gibbs’ formidable camp in the late 1970’s, George Nooks had hit songs like Tribal War and Left With A Broken Heart. As deejay Prince Mohamed, he had a massive hit for Gibbs with Fortyleg Dread.
Last week, Nooks entered the Billboard Reggae and Gospel charts at number 4 and 22, respectively, with the album Ride Out Your Storm. It is Nooks’ second collection of inspirational songs.
Standing By, his first, was released in 2001 and signaled a remarkable comeback for the Dennis Brown protege. “It’s a great feeling, it means a lot to be on Billboard, especially the Gospel chart with all those big artistes. It shows that things are happening,” said Nooks.
Ride Out Your Storm was released in February by Tads International Record. Its lead single is the title song, originally done in 1970 by American singer Betty Jean Robinson.
Nooks (as Prince Mohamed) has tasted international success before.
One Time Daughter, his toast to the Gibbs-produced Someone Loves You Honey, made European charts in 1982.
Gibbs produced most of Nooks’ early hit songs including Tribal War and Fortyleg Dread. He also recorded for Brown’s short-lived DEB label.
His cover of Al Green’s God Is Standing By was one of the biggest songs of 2000 and marked a new phase in Nooks’ career, as a gospel artiste.
— Howard Campbell
You must log in to post a comment.