FREDDIE MCGREGOR... celebrating 40 years in music

Singer Freddie McGregor's 40th anniversary as an artiste is receiving recognition far and wide and come May 25, it will be the turn of fans, friends and well-wishers in New York, to pay tribute to the reggae crooner.

The event, a concert, billed as "Freddy McGregor and Friends", is to be held in the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan.

According to Ewart "Junior" Burton, CEO of Legendary Records, who has been instrumental in organizing the event, a few days prior to the concert, McGregor will be presented with a citation from the Governor of New York, George Pataki, recognising his 40 years of contribution to reggae. Former New York City Council Member Una Clarke (D-Brooklyn) and her daughter Yvette Clarke, Council Member - District 40, will host a function where the citation will be presented.

McGregor, is responsible for such classics as Big Ship, Push Come To Shove, Prophecy, Africa Here I Come, Let Them Try and Rude Boy Gone A Jail.

Multi-platinum selling artiste Shaggy, Rik Rok, Rayvon, John Holt, producer Clementy "Sir Coxsone" Dodd, Jimmy Cliff, Marcia Griffiths, Toots, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Damion "Junior Gong" Marley, Alton Ellis, Beres Hammond, Luciano and the I-Three are among a growing list of reggae and dancehall personalities who have been invited to attend the Hammerstein event. Invitations have also been extended to dancehall sensation Sean Paul and singer Wayne Wonder.

Richie B from RJR 94FM, Jamaica, David "Ram Jam" Rodigan from Capital Radio, England and New York jocks Dahved Levy (WLIB/WBLS radio), DJ Roy (Irie Jam) and Dillon (WLIB radio) will handle co-hosting duties.

According to Burton, the anniversary concert will be filled with excitement and magic as he plans to reunite McGregor with some of the artistes and musicians he has had a close association with over the years. He has also lined up an all-star orchestra, led by saxophonist Tony Greene, to pay homage to McGregor.

McGregor began his musical career in the early 60's under the musical direction of the legendary Coxone Dodd. He did his apprenticeship as lead singer of the Clarendonians and after the group split, recorded his first big hit song Why Did You Do It with friend Ernie Smith. In 1972 he formed the Generation Gap band, recording Homeward Bound, Freedom and Justice & Equality for producer Geoffrey Chung. After the demise of the group, he launched his solo career and has not looked back.

In 1983 he mined gold with Big Ship which broke into the top ten of the reggae charts in England and Jamaica. The success of Big Ship was the turning point of his career and thrust him into the international spotlight. Since then he has amassed a catalogue of popular recordings, which includes Push Come To Shove, Africa Here I Come, I Was Born A Winner, Let Them Try, Stop Loving You, Prophecy and And So I Will Wait For You.

During his 40 years, he has received numerous accolades including an International Award of Merit from the Canadian Reggae Music Award, a JAMI for the single Push Come To Shove and an award for Best International Artist from the BBC Radio London Reggae Awards.

McGregor's 2002 album Anything For You, was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album. His latest album, an as yet untitled set, is due for release sometime this month.

Sponsors for "Freddie McGregor and Friends" includes Guinness, Jet Star Records, Greensleeves Records, Ras Records, VP Records, Air Jamaica, WLIB radio, Irie Jam, Legendary Records, Moet and Temptations Nightclub.

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