JAMAICA was still experiencing the teething pains of a new nation when singers Freddie McGregor and Marcia Griffiths started their careers in the early 1960s.
On Saturday, it was pure pleasure as they were lauded for their endurance by the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA), at its sixth awards ceremony.
Griffiths and McGregor turned in outstanding performances at the Courtleigh Auditorium in St Andrew, giving no hint they were scheduled to catch an early morning flight to Atlanta yesterday.
The exuberant Griffiths was in her element, performing Dreamland and I Wanna Be With You before addressing the audience which included a number of her contemporaries.
“I made it through the broken glass because of you. And I truly love you,” she said.
McGregor, dapper in a shiny-grey suit, made his mark with a number of hits like I See it in You, If You Wanna Go and Let Them Try.
Hedley Jones, a musician/engineer whose contribution to the music business is largely understated, was recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Most of JaRIA’s Class of 2014 got their start in the 1950s and 1960s when Jamaica’s popular music was taking shape.
Among them, the gifted trombonist Don Drummond of the Skatalites who died in 1969; singer/songwriter Joe Higgs; drummer Winston ‘Sparrow’ Martin; dub visionary Osbourne ‘King Tubby’ Ruddock; the Zap Pow band; musician Mikey Chung of Now Generation and In Crowd fame; percussionist Herman ‘Bongo Herman’ Davis; rock steady group the Heptones and the revered drum-and-bass team, Sly and Robbie.
Singer Johnny Clarke, who came of age during the roots-reggae explosion of the 1970s, showed why he is known as the ‘Hit Machine’ with a robust set.
Shortly after accepting his Iconic Artiste award, Clarke had the housing jumping to None Shall Escape the Judgement, Rock With Me Baby and Move Outa Babylon. He also did an acapella version of Left With a Broken Award.
Carlene Davis also received an Iconic Artiste trophy. Not as flamboyant as Clarke, she was effective on a well-received version of Like Old Friends Do.
Asley ‘Grub’ Cooper, whose prolific work is responsible for the success of numerous acts, most notably the Fabulous Five band, was recognised for his work as a composer.
Similar recognition went to musician/producer Paul ‘Computer Paul’ Henton and engineer Mervyn Williams.
The Grace Thrillers and Adina Edwards, were cited for their achievements in the field of gospel.
Edwards, a blind accordion player and singer, died in 2008. Led by the impressive singer Sarnia Constantine, students from the Edna Manley School of the Visual and Performing Arts, delivered a heartfelt rendition of her song Lay Down Those Guns.
Members of Nexxus and Las Voces Melodiosas from the Mico University, performed Can’t Even Walk, the Thrillers hit that took gospel into the mainstream almost 30 years ago.
Other awardees were Alfonso Walker for his work in media; Reggae Sumfest for Outstanding Contribution to the music industry and the Bass Odyssey and Stone Love sound systems.
Singer Jah Bouks’ Call Angola was selected Song of The Year, while Kabaka Pyramid won Breakthrough Artiste of The Year.
Singer Tessanne Chin received a special award for winning NBC’s talent show, The Voice.
Tommy Cowan and Mary Isaacs were masters of ceremony.
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