RIP John Holt (1947-2014) - A Tribute

Here you will find my tribute mix to the legendary John Holt... it took me a while to compile the playlist because I kept finding more songs that I wanted to feature but hopefully this 20 song sampling of John Holt's music with serve as a fitting tribute to a man with a great voice and someone who has provided me with countless hours of enjoyment and joy.

I've got to tell you, I was happy that John Holt received enough recognition that his passing was actually mentioned in the mainstream media but, the fact that he is singularly known for being the man that wrote Blondie's "The Tide Is High" saddens me more than you can imagine.  My heart breaks every time a Jamaican music legend dies... here is someone who devoted their life to making music and making countless people happy and they pass away with little mention,concern or regard from those "outside the know" of this music.  When a true talent in Jamaican music dies, it seems like their talent has gone to waste due to the fact that they rarely receive the recognition they deserve... in my opinion, John Holt's mastery of love songs sets him on the same level, if not higher, than most of the singers that have come along in every other genre of music in the last 50 years!  But, will anyone take notice?  Will anyone outside of the "reggae family" pay him tribute?  It is an absolute travesty and whenever I get the news about another important musician or founding-father (or mother) of reggae music passing away, it just hurts me even more.  It is so sad to think of the history we are losing at such an alarming rate.

So today... if you're in an office or around a group of people, bring John Holt's passing up to a co-worker or friend... and instead of saying, "oh, he's the guy that wrote Blondie's 'The Tide is High.'  Tell them that John Holt is a reggae legend, a great singer, a talented songwriter who had been active in music for 50 years, a versatile singer that could address any topic and one of the greatest singers to every wrap his vocal chords around a sweet love song.  Or better yet, point them in this direction and tell them to give this mix a listen.  

As far as I'm concerned, John Holt's name recognition doesn't need to ride the coattails of Blondie!  Because whenever I'm somewhere and "The Tide is High" pops up on the radio or even recently in a television commercial for some product that I don't remember,  I know that the true lyrics are "I'm not the kind of MAN who gives up just like that."

RIP John Holt - you will never be forgotten!

What you're gonna hear...

1.  I've Got To Go Back Home
2.  Police In Helicopter
3.  I'm Your Man
4.  Up Park Camp
5.  There Is No Love
6.  Ali Baba
7.  Fat Girl, Sexy Girl
8.  Stick By Me
9.  A Love I Can Feel
10.  Tribal War
11.  Fat She Fat
12.  Sweetie Come Brush Me
13.  Look What You Have Done
14.  My Desire
15.  Nobody Else
16.  Sugar And Spice
17.  Don't Give Up
18.  I See Your Face
19.  Darling I Need Your Loving w/The Paragons
20.  The Tide Is High (Solo Reggae Version)

JOHN HOLT TRIBUTE