JOHN HOLT | ESSENTIAL ARTIST COLLECTION

JOHN HOLT, THE ESSENTIAL COLLECTION

John Holt was a prominent member of the Jamaican vocal trio, the Paragons during the late 1960s, contributing to a series of successful rock-steady singles.

He became a popular solo artist in Jamaica, producing a string of reggae hits for several of the island’s top record producers. In 1974, Holt succeeded internationally with his album ‘1000 Volts of Holt’, which blended raw reggae rhythms with sophisticated orchestral arrangements.

The standout track reimagined Kris Kristofferson’s country hit ‘Help Me Make It Through The Night’, a worldwide hit the following year, reaching Number 6 on the UK charts.

Holt continued to dominate the reggae scene for years to come, releasing more chart-toppers and performing to packed crowds across the globe. This Essential Artist compilation brings together the best of his solo work.

ABOUT JOHN HOLT

John Holt was a prominent member of the Jamaican vocal trio, the Paragons during the late 1960s, contributing to a series of successful rock-steady singles. REGGAE TASTEMAKER

Jamaican singer John Holt died at 67 after a successful 50-year career in reggae music. He is best known for his 1973 album of easy-listening cover songs that still sell well today.

“1000 Volts of Holt” is a beloved album that combines classic romantic songs with a reggae twist. It was recorded in Jamaica and London despite initial scepticism and has stood the test of time.

Holt’s cover album, 1000 Volts, was a hit worldwide, with his version of “Help Me Make It Through the Night” surpassing Gladys Knight and the Pips’ version and reaching No. 6 in the UK charts. The album attracted a wider audience, including reggae enthusiasts, and has remained popular.

Holt was a talented Jamaican singer-songwriter known for his exceptional voice and hit songs like The Tide is High and OK Fred. He was the lead singer of the Paragons and a successful solo artist.

Holt was a Jamaican singer who gained fame through talent shows. He won 28 titles by age 16 and began recording in 1963. He wrote and collaborated on popular music, including with Alton Ellis.

John Holt joined the Paragons in 1964, and the group quickly became the top vocal group in Jamaica, thanks to their steady rock style and numerous hit songs.

The Paragons disbanded in 1970. Lead singer John Holt pursued a successful solo career and gained popularity in the UK through Trojan Records. With the help of pop producer Tony Ashfield, Holt’s love songs were given a reggae twist with orchestral arrangements recorded in London.

His 1000 Volts of Holt album proved he could sweeten his music without sacrificing saccharin, but he was unsuccessful with other crossover ventures. Cash-in follow-ups – 2000 Volts and 3000 Volts – failed to sell to the same degree, and there were some ill-advised disco albums in 1977 and 1978. By the late 70s and early 80s, as reggae had moved into a more radical Rastafarian-inspired era, he had primarily painted himself out of the picture.

Holt regained his reputation by releasing “Police in Helicopter” in 1983, featuring the famous title track protesting the destruction of marijuana fields in Jamaica.

Holt’s later music relied on cover versions, and he released over 40 albums, his last being in 1993. He remained a popular live performer but fell ill during his final appearance at the One Love festival.