FORMER ENTERTAINMENT WRITER HOWARD McGOWAN, HAS RELEASED HIS MEMOIR “AN ODYSSEY IN REGGAE AND JOURNALISM!”

Compared to today, when news is disseminated with the touch of a finger, journalists like Howard McGowan, depended on typewriters and telephones to get breaking news out to consumers.

The former entertainment editor at the Gleaner Company newspaper (now the Gleaner) in Kingston, Jamaica, reflects on that era in his book, An Odyssey in Reggae And Journalism, released in February by publishers, BambuSparks.

McGowan takes readers on a journey through the halls of the English-speaking Caribbean’s oldest daily newspaper (founded in 1834), and how he covered the reggae beat from 1974 to the late 1990s when he left the company.

“I have toyed with the idea on and off (of writing a book) prior to finally deciding in late 2022. I wanted to start the likely collection with my career in journalism as it is a natural first effort. It took less than six months to complete, the research was minimal mostly recalling from memory,” he disclosed.

He writes about the influence some of the giants in Caribbean journalism helped develop his knowledge of the profession. They include Barbara Gloudon, Urban Leandro, Ken Allen, Carl Wint, J.C. Proute and Calvin Bowen.

Born in Kingston, McGowan says he was always fascinated by creative writing. And although he earned a diploma in architecture from Delahanty Institute in New York, it was constructing stories that grabbed him.

Much of An Odyssey in Reggae And Journalism focuses on how he covered Jamaica’s entertainment scene at the Gleaner. And, how as chief judge for  the Tastee Talent Contest, he helped expose some of the biggest names in dancehall/reggae including Nadine Sutherland, Yellowman, Beenie Man, Mr. Vegas and Glacia Robinson.

“Without a doubt, the Tastee Talent Contest is the most successful/impactful, non-money-making entertainment event since Independence. All shows over its 34 years (1979-2013) were free. Millions of dollars in prize money and production costs while providing scores of jobs for not only industry players but college students during summer holidays,” he said.

Although no longer involved in professional journalism, McGowan admits he misses the profession’s daily grind. Writing his book allowed him to return to what he loves most.