Jazz acts under cover
COVER songs have been a part of Jamaican music for over 50 years. Songs by some of the acts on this week’s Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival became popular in Jamaica thanks to cover versions by local artistes.
***pic: Toni Braxton
caption: Toni Braxton
— Toni Braxton’s 1996 album Secrets contained a number one Billboard magazine pop single in Unbreak My Heart. A cover by veteran reggae singer Pam Hall rode the New York Reggae charts in 1997.
Singer Tony Curtis’ version of another Braxton hit, Love Shoulda Brought You Home, was a number one locally in 1992. Curtis’ version, done on the Real Rock ‘riddim’ and produced by Lloyd ‘King Jammys’ James.
pic: Aaron Neville
caption: Aaron Neville
— Tell it Like It Is was originally recorded by soul singer Aaron Neville in 1966. It reached number one on the R&B chart and number 22 on the Hot 100 pop table.
In 2009, a cover of Tell it Like It Is by lovers rock singer Stevie Face got significant airplay in Jamaica. His take was produced by Paul ‘Computer Paul’ Henton.
** pic: Joe
caption: Joe
— Rhythm and Blues singer Joe’s 1997 song Love Scene was not a big hit in the United States. However, a remake by Singing Melody did well in Jamaica.
** pic: Chaka Khan
caption: Chaka Khan
— Chaka Khan led soul/funk group Rufus from the late 1970s to the early 1980s. Their hit, Ain’t Nobody, went number one on Billboard’s R&B chart in 1983 and number 22 on its Hot 100 pop chart.
Singer Diana King’s 1995 album, Tougher Than Love, contained a cover of Ain’t Nobody. Her version reached number 13 on the UK pop chart, number 95 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the Dance Club Play chart.