As the curator and head bottle washer of JamaicaPeople.com, I get to do what I love—talk about Jamaica and research great artists and music to share with you. Bringing you new and exciting events about Jamaica and our people always puts a smile on my face.
But today, my smile is even bigger—not because we’re talking about something new, but because we’re celebrating something old and dear to me. Many years ago, I watched a YouTube video featuring two of my favorite artists: Freddie McGregor and John Holt.
I still remember the immense joy their performance brought me. The music, the delivery, the sheer class—it was unforgettable.
I felt so proud of my Jamaican men. They had made it. After all, they were performing at London Symphony Hall, with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. How could they go wrong? The show was hosted by Britain’s top musical commentor, Mr. David Rodigan. What could be better than singing to hundreds of people at a place like this. They must have known they had reached the top because Freddie, with well-earned pride, declared, “Tonight, I feel like a big shot.” And yes, Freddie, you were.
Freddie McGregor and John Holt are reggae legends whose timeless music continues to inspire fans across generations. Freddie McGregor, with his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, has delivered classics like “Big Ship” and “Push Come to Shove,” blending roots reggae with smooth, melodic style. On the other hand, John Holt, known for his romantic ballads and velvety tones, gave us iconic tracks such as “Stick By Me” and “Police in Helicopter,” showcasing his versatility from lover’s rock to socially conscious themes. Together, their music embodies the essence of reggae, uniting rhythm, passion, and profound storytelling. Two incredible artists to have as favorites.
In Conclusion
To Freddie, let me say, job well done and to you John Holt, you will not be forgotten for putting your heart and soul into this memorable production. Rest in peace, my friend. That night their combined performance was nothing short of excellence. I hope you feel the same way too. Please let me know in the comments if you enjoyed their performance as much as I did. Peace, my musical brethren and sistrens
Head on over to Amazon to learn more about John Holt via recordings like this one from Trojan Records. You can’t go wrong with this Essential Artist Collection [2 CD], considered one of the best compilations of John Holts recordings. It has a 4.7 out of 5.0 rating. Now that’s what I call an excellent rating.
