Sampalue honours dad
In tribute to the inspirational role his father played in his journey, Garfield “Sampalue” Phillips chose Father’s Day to release his latest single, All Things Bright And Beautiful.
His ‘old man’, Phil Pratt, was a successful producer whose hit singles include My Heart is Gone by John Holt and They Talk About Love by Pat Kelly.
Sampalue told the Jamaica Observer that Pratt (real name George Phillips) turned 80 on June 15 and he wanted to salute him and fathers on their special day.
“We want to give thanks to all di father dem ’cause is dem make everything possible. Me an’ my father have a strong relationship, an’ although him live abroad wi always keep di link,” said Sampalue.
The father of four children, he stressed the importance of men leading from the front.
“If yuh show yuh youth dem love, more than likely dem going to show you love in return. We, as fathers, mus’ teach dem to be respectful,” Sampalue charged.
He followed his father’s path into the music business by establishing the Diamond Rush label in 1989. It is best known for producing songs by Lady Saw (Find A Good Man and Give Me A Reason), Ninja Man and Frankie Paul.
The past five years has seen Sampalue focus on his career as a vocalist.
In 2019, he released his first album, Straight Outta Hannah Town, a tribute to the West Kingston community in which he was raised.
All Things Bright And Beautiful features drummer Kirk Bennett, bassist Donald Dennis, and keyboardist Robbie Lyn.
It is projected to be part of Sampalue’s second album, scheduled for release late this year.