BY HOWARD CAMPBELL—-  Alton Ellis —   IF Sam Cooke is the doyen of soul singers, Alton Ellis is reggae’s equivalent. The music’s best vocalists have pointed to this rocksteady colossus as a major influence. Like Cooke, Ellis set the standard during the 1960’s. Unlike his American counterpart, he did not have the luxury of recording in ‘proper’ studios or making thousands of dollars from his hit songs. In a 2004 interview with the Jamaica Observer, Ellis summed up his … Read entire article »

BY RICHARD JOHNSON Observer senior reporter—   FOR Grace Jones, the worlds of music, modeling and the movies have all been her playground. Born in Spanish Town on May 19, 1948 as the daughter of a minister of religion, Jones grew up in a strict Christian household and has often remarked in interviews that this has significantly contributed to her behavior later in life. At age 13, she moved to New York to join her parents who had migrated a … Read entire article »

By Sherita Grizzle—   Following news that soca star Destra was ordered by the court in Belize to pay a man US$8,000 (J$1,024,000) for damages he sustained while dancing with her, local dancers have vowed to be more careful. Admitting that sometimes the dancing gets a bit too acrobatic, some said they are taking the lawsuit as a wake-up call. But they insist that as long as the acrobatics are still in high demand, they will indulge; but with … Read entire article »

BY RICHARD JOHNSON Observer senior reporter johnsonr@jamaicaobserver.com—   FOR the first time in its 50-year history there will be no Festival Song Competition as part of Jamaica’s Independence celebrations. However, the culture ministry is working to ensure that Jamaicans at home and abroad are not left without music for the season. In the absence of the competition we have come to know, the ministry is working on a commemorative album which will feature some of the iconic festival songs of … Read entire article »

By Okoye Henry—   An extraordinary student that had a promising future were the words from Susan Simms, principal of Glendevon Primary in St James, as she described the late Kela Bailey. The nine-year-old was allegedly shot and killed when a firearm, reportedly brandished by a 14-year-old boy, went off while they were playing at her home last Friday. “If I had to sum her up in one word, then a ‘gem’ is what best describes her. She was … Read entire article »

Rising international pop artist, Ivy Layne, has officially dabbled in dancehall with the new single ‘One You Love’ featuring Popcaan. “We all have that person that we are into and would love that person to be ours regardless of the situation. You might be in a relationship, living far or circumstances are not right for you to be with that person but you can only dream and know in your heart that person is the one … Read entire article »