Percy Sledge promises many more moments to remember
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By Basil Walters
Observer staff reporter
Friday, June 23, 2006
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Internationally acclaimed rhythm and blues crooner, Percy Sledge is slated to make two appearances in Jamaica on the weekend. The first tomorrow at Club Inferno in Montego Bay, then the following on Sunday, at the Cable and Wireless Golf Academy, New Kingston.
The Golden Promotions' vintage showcase, called When A Man Loves A Woman (originally set for National Heroes' Day last year, but was rained out), will also feature a strong supporting cast of Jamaican entertainers to add flair to the musical package.
The local stars are Nadine Sutherland, George Nooks, Frankie Paul, Boris Gardner and the Fabulous Five Band. Bob Clarke, host of Irie FM's oldies show Memories, will be the emcee.
"All I do is work and sing for my fans," Percy Sledge was reported as saying in response to a writ filed against him nine years ago (1997) for performing in Jamaica when he was allegedly billed for shows in Miami.
Given the number of appearances he made here, it does appear that he has warm and tender love for his Jamaican fans.
With a plaintive, soulful voice, Percy Sledge emerged during the early 1960s as one of the key singers of deep Southern soul music. Not only did he sing deep soul, but he was among the pioneers of country-soul.
In the summer of 1966, the artiste who began his musical career as a member of the vocal group Esquires Combo, went solo and recorded When A Man Loves A Woman, which became a huge hit topping both the pop and R&B charts. It was quickly followed in the same year by two top 10 R&B hits, Warm and Tender Love and It Tears Me Up. He would later score again with Take Time To Know Her.
Despite his strong following among fans of soul music, Sledge's record sales declined by the 1970s, and he left Atlantic Records for Capricorn in 1974. Over the next two decades, he turned to the club circuit in America and England as well as continued touring, playing over 100 gigs per year.
With the inclusion of When A Man Loves A Woman in movie soundtracks and television commercials, Sledge experienced a resurgence in his popularity during the late 1980s.
The forthcoming show will see one of the rare appearances for Boris Gardner. One of reggae's finest balladeers, his silky smooth voice is featured on the UK chart-topper, I Want To Wake Up With You and Don't Take Away, just two of his many gems that have stood the test of time.
Frankie Paul on his night can bring the house down with his expansive catalogue of lovers-rock tunes that have made him an all time favourite among the local fans. George Nooks can do no wrong these days.
He is on a roll, as his interesting blend of gospel with secular in such songs as God Is Standing By, No Power On Earth, God Is Always There, makes him one of the more sought-after performers.
That he is the most current of the supporting acts, is a reflection of how rounded a performer he is. George Nooks has what it takes to deliver stuff like Just Out of Reach, Someone Loves You Honey, and Dennis Brown's Money in My Pocket, to mention a few.
The lone female in the line-up, Nadine Sutherland, whose gift of singing was spotted as a 9-year-old child wonder on the first Tastee Talent Contest 26 years ago, has risen to the point where she is now spotting the present generation of rising stars. An entertainer of the highest order, she has never failed to please her audience.
With the experienced Fab Five Band providing the backing, the local segment of the show should be something to treasure as the support for each act to perform at their best is guaranteed.
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