SOME artistes get a flying start to their careers, while others wait for what seems an eternity to get that breakthrough song.

Clem Gordon belongs in the latter bracket. The singer started recording during the early 1970s, but it was not until last year that Jamaican fans warmed to his music.

Heart of Mine (a cover of the Isley Brothers’ This Old Heart of Mine) did the trick for Gordon, who has lived in Canada and the United States for almost 40 years.

Produced by Leroy Brown, Heart of Mine was recorded three years ago but released in 2015. Having loved the original for years, Gordon said it was only natural he put his signature on it.

“It bring back memories of back in the days. Jus’ about everyone can relate to it…Yuh get a likkle heartbreak but eventually yuh bounce back,” he explained.

Gordon, who lives in Detroit, has kept a busy recording schedule in recent years. He has worked mainly with Brown, a veteran singer/producer who was a mainstay of Canada’s reggae scene for 30 years.

Gordon is from the Richmond Park area of Kingston. Early in his career, he was a member of the group, The Samaritans, and recorded for producers such as Keith Hudson.

He migrated to Canada in the late 1970s, but eventually moved to the US and settled in the Motor City. The last five years have seen him revive his career through extended stays in Kingston.

Hold On, Problems and a cover of Delroy Wilson’s Dancing Mood are among Gordon’s recent productions.

— Howard Campbell