WHAT do former prime ministers P J Patterson and Edwards Seaga, legendary producers Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd, Arthur Stanley Reid, aka Duke Reid, pioneering recording artistes Alton Ellis, Cecil ‘Prince Buster’ Campbell, Kenrick ‘Lord Creator’ Patrick, Derrick Harriot and veteran deejay Winston ‘King Stitt’ Sparks have in common?

They all received awards at Tribute to the Greats, the annual King Omar Promotions’ awards show and dance in recognition of those whose contribution to the growth and development of Jamaica’s music industry has been overlooked. On Saturday, the 13th renewal of Tribute to the Greats will honour seven such overlooked contributors at Curphey Place, Swallowfield Road, Kingston. The awardees who will be acknowledged for having assisted in the worldwide recognition to Jamaica, have a combined total experience of 320 years.

They are Jimmy James, Tony Gregory and Herman Sang, each a pioneer with 50 years service to the music industries in Jamaica, England and Canada; Gladdy Parker of Wild Bunch Sound System; Lager Reid, dance/promoter and veteran entertainment journalist, Julian ‘Jingles’ Reynolds.

At the launch of the 2010 staging of the event at Lanzo’s Place a week ago, Keith Goodison in his keynote address just stopped short of calling for an award for the organisers.

“The fact that an event can continue for 13 years in the entertainment industry speaks volume of the promoters and the commitment to the ideal that drives the process,” the guest speaker said.

“The decision to stage annually a live show, an awards presentation, a dance for patrons of this magnitude is a credit to Kingsley Goodison and King Omar Promotions,” said Keith Goodison about his brother and the family’s organisation.

Despite the appearance of open favouritism, by definition it was not because his argument has merit. To date, the record will show that over 100 persons have been honoured since the inception of Tribute to the Greats.

“What was the thinking behind the staging of this annual event by Kingsley Goodison?” Keith asked rhetorically. “Based on information provided by the promoter I now wish to advise the audience that the thinking behind this promotion is to recognise that the development and growth of Jamaica’s popular music came from the base of the society.”

Added he; “Further, that many persons involved with this success, were never given recognition for their significant contributions. The management of King Omar Promotions was determined to correct this glaring oversight and took the responsibility to stage this calendar event aptly named Tribute to the Greats.” Performances on Saturday, will feature several vintage artistes such as Keith Lyn, Mary Isaacs and The Jays backed by Rhythm Masters Band. The evening will end with music provided by Winston and Monte Blake of Merritone Music.