While studying for a master’s degree in cultural studies at The University of the West Indies 10 years ago, Nadine Sutherland recalls feeling adrift from the music business she entered in 1979.

“After I did [Digicel] Rising Stars [as a judge], I started doing my master’s and during that time it was like nobody remembered me in the industry. That ended up being a blessed time, because I applied myself so hard to get that master’s and it was like, ‘Here comes something now that I can earn a living,’ because I wasn’t earning from music,” the 56 year-old singer told the Jamaica Observer.

Sutherland’s career has not been forgotten by Jamaica’s Government, which has honoured her with the Order of Distinction (Officer Class), the country’s sixth-highest honour.

She rates the national recognition among the highlights of a career that began 45 years ago with victory in the inaugural Tastee Talent Contest.

“It’s euphoric for me… when I got the news I screamed and I was crying. At the same time, I feel really honoured and validated for so many things that I’ve done throughout the years,” said Sutherland.

Her career started at the tail of roots-reggae, with her initial songs, Young One Like Me and
Starvation on The Land produced and distributed by Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong label.

In the 1990s, Sutherland had sizable hit songs with Baby Face, Action (alongside Terror Fabulous), and Wicked Dickie (with Buju Banton).

She is also a prolific harmony singer whose vocals appear on songs by Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, and John Holt.

“I have done so much that sometimes I forget. It’s been a career, it’s been a lot of work and I’m very proud,” she said.

Three major players who helped shape modern dancehall music — deejays Glendon “Admiral Bailey” Bailey, Moses “Beenie Man” Davis and Rodney “Bounty Killer” Price — have also been, this year, vested with the Order of Distinction (Officer Class). So too opera singer Dr Curtis Watson and actress Audrey Reid.