Reggae singer collaborates with 87-year-old Jewish man on tribute single

Sunday, November 22, 2009 12:31 AM

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Entertainment

By Howard Turner

Friday, July 03, 2009

New York, USA - New York-based reggae crooner, Elvis D, is still on a musical high from the overwhelming response from music lovers, friends, colleagues and admirers for his tribute song dedicated to fathers. The support is even more special given the fact that he co-wrote the song with 87-year-old Jewish businessman Phillip Rosen, himself the father of three. Singer Andrew Mitchell also contributed to the project.

"I am still at a loss for words, given the love and tremendous support I have received from the radio fraternity and from fans who continue to express their gratitude to me for recording this song. I dedicate it to my father, who has been my rock, and to all deserving fathers, dads, stepfathers and grandfathers who continue to play a critical role in the upbringing of their kids," the tearful singer told Splash.

Christened Elvis Downer by his parents, the singer revealed that it was radio jock Dub Master Chris of WVIP radio who initially made the suggestion that he record a tribute song to fathers. However, it was not until Rosen offered to help him pen the lyrics that the wheels were set in motion.

"I consider myself probably to be the most blessed person on this earth, to have this opportunity to work with Mr Rosen, a retired businessman who fell in love with reggae after he heard one of my songs. He has been very supportive of my career, and I am elated that we were able to collaborate on this special project. And what a phenomenal success it has been. We had so much fun...so much so that I would not rule out working together with him in the future," he disclosed.

Elvis burst on the scene two years ago with his lovers' rock ballad Party Time, the lead single from his debut album Perfect Vibes, which raced its way to the #2 position on the Reggae Top Ten Chart in New York. The song has enjoyed rotation on all the leading reggae programmes in New York, including Irie Jam Radio and Culture Jam Radio. He further cemented his place with the release of a cover of Ne-Yo's Miss Independence that has also enjoyed favourable response from music lovers.

"I am extremely happy with all that I have been able to accomplish thus far in my career," the singer disclosed.
"I have worked extremely hard and I am just so thankful that things are falling in place. My next objective is to take a trip to Jamaica to work with some of the producers there. Hopefully, I will also get the opportunity to perform for fans there. I really wanna show them just what I got," he continued.

No stranger to the performing arena, the talented singer has opened for a slew of top reggae recorders, including cultural DJ Sizzla and his mentor, singer Beres Hammond. He has also performed at all the major reggae concerts in the tri-state area, including Irie Jamboree and the NJ Reggae Festival. Last year, he and singer Richie Stephens were featured performers at the Reebok Grand Prix post-reggae concert, where Olympic star Usain Bolt first broke the 100 metres world record.

"Performing at the same event that Usain broke the world record was a major highlight in my career and is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life," he confessed.

Not one to rest on his laurels, the singer has put together a hectic schedule for the summer, which he disclosed will culminate with a three-week tour of Ethiopia, with reggae messenger Luciano and Mikey General.

"Elvis is an extremely talented singer who can make it big in this industry," said radio DJ and Luciano's personal assistant Dave Judah, who has coordinated the annual musical pilgrimage to Ethiopia for the past seven years.

"I have been following his career and I can say he has the right attitude and great work ethic.something that is lacking in many of the younger artistes that I see coming on the music scene. This trip will be beneficial to his career and will give him the type of international exposure that I am confident will take his career to the next level," Judah noted.

While in Africa, the touring party will perform in Kenya, Lalibela, Shashamane and Holeta Genet. They will also perform in Addis Ababa at a benefit concert to assist the Saris Village School.

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