The music of John Holt has been a source of great joy for Jamaicans since the early 1960’s. His classic songs endure, seven years after his death. On October 23, Holt’s legacy will be honored in ‘A Tribute to Reggae Legend John Holt’, a show scheduled for The Garden in Fort Lauderdale. It is being promoted by his grandson Bamm Holt, who is also one of the performers. His father (John’s son), Junior Holt, Freddie McGregor and Chino McGregor are also expected to perform.
John Holt died from cancer in October, 2014 at age 67. His prolific recording as a solo act and with harmony group The Paragons, left a cache of songs that is one of the most impressive in reggae. His many hit songs include Stick by Me, A Love I Can Feel, Strange Things, Police in Helicopter and Write Your Name. The Tide is High, a song he did with The Paragons, was covered by rock group Blondie in 1980. Their version topped pop charts in the United States and United Kingdom that year. In recent years, his grandson has launched a campaign to ensure his impact on Jamaican music is recognized. Bamm Holt, who is also an artist, is currently working on a documentary on his grandfather’s life.
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