2017 Entertainment Highlights

Today, the Jamaica Observer’s Entertainment Desk begins its daily look back at persons,

events, and works that made an impact on the Jamaican scene.

PASSAGE — FRANKIE PAUL

There is no disputing Bob Marley’s title as King of Reggae, or Dennis Brown’s perch as Crown Prince of Reggae. Frankie Paul was never royally adorned, but he did earn acclaim as “Jamaica’s Stevie Wonder”, which speaks for itself.

Paul died on May 18, aged 51, at the University Hospital of the West Indies. His last 18 months were beset by debilitating health issues that saw him having a leg amputated, and being hospitalised with diabetic and kidney problems.

He died from complications of kidney disease, leaving a massive catalogue of music he recorded in a 36-year career.

Paul Blake (his given name) faced physical challenges from birth. He was born blind, but like Wonder excelled musically at an early age. He exploded during the 1980s as a vocalist for producers including Earl “Chinna” Smith, Henry “Junjo” Lawes, Lloyd “King Jammys” James as well as a number of record companies in the United Kingdom.

Like Brown, one of his heroes, several of Paul’s biggest hit songs were covers. Sara, Cassanova and I Know The Score were among them but hardcore fans did not mind, as he put his signature touch on each.

However, he was far from a cover artiste. Pass The Ku-Sheng Pen, Worries In The Dance and Alesha are classics that still rock any dance.

An example of Paul’s boundless talent came at the Startime show at Mas Camp in January 2016. Obviously struggling, he did his set seated, but belted out a diverse list of songs including Jamaica’s National Anthem that drew sustained applause.

Two weeks later, news came that one of his legs was amputated. Things got worse, with regular reports of not only health, but financial challenges.

Frankie Paul came of age during the 1980s, which some consider the golden age of dancehall singers. His contemporaries included Junior Reid, Barrington Levy, Tenor Saw, Nitty Gritty, Wayne “Sleng Teng” Smith and Half Pint. He was comfortable recording on either computer beats or live rhythms and, at his peak, was outstanding in concert.

A number of artistes attended his thanksgiving service in St Andrew in June — Half Pint, George Nooks and Luciano paying tribute in song. It may have been a church, but it was still Worries In The Dance.

— Howard Campbell