American rock band Dr Hook has a strong following locally. The group is best known for hit songs such as Baby Makes a Blue Jeans Talk, Lifeline, Sharing the Night Together, Sylvia’s Mother, Sexy Eyes, and When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman.

Although it failed to make the charts, I’ll Put Angels Around You, which is taken from the band’s 1983 album
Let Me Drink from Your Well got ample airplay on stations, including JBC FM and RJR 94FM.

Singer G’Ovany (pronounced Giovanni) has put his own spin on I’ll Put Angels Around You, remaining the song Angels Around You. Released in March, his version was produced Rokwon Production.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, G’Ovany said he grew up listening to the Dr Hook original and it became one of his favourites.

“I was very young at the time, but it became one of those songs that stayed with me over the years. Even before I fully understood music on a technical level it was a song that connected with me emotionally,” he said, while adding, “The song resonated with me because of the emotion in it. It is a very tender, comforting song, and I have always loved the message of protection and reassurance. I have been a genuine fan of it since childhood and, over time, I realised it was also a song that suited my voice naturally.”

Angels Around You is the first single from G’Ovany’s forthcoming album, which is due later this year.

“The feedback has been very positive so far. People have really connected with the feeling of the song. A lot of listeners have told me they love the softness of it, the message behind it, and the way it makes them think about the people they care about,” the artiste shared.

He is not new to the music scene.

“Music began for me from a very genuine place. I always had a deep love for songs with meaning, melody, and feeling. From early on, I knew music was not just something I enjoyed, but something I wanted to be a part of in a serious way. I have been doing music professionally for quite some time now. I began recording from around 2005, and since then the journey has been about growth, experience, and sharpening my craft,” said the artiste whose real name is Roger Robinson.

Originally from the Cassia Park community, G’Ovany grew up around music.

“I would describe it as a journey of patience, learning, and evolution. It has taken time, discipline, and faith. Every stage has taught me something, and every song has helped shape me into a more versatile and grounded artiste. And, one of the biggest lessons I have learnt is that growth is essential. You have to be willing to adapt, stay patient, and keep improving. Talent matters, but so do structure, consistency, and the right mindset. That is something I have come to appreciate even more over time,” he disclosed.

Along the journey, he has worked with producers including Robin Mabumba of Dreaded Sounds Production, Gibby Morrison, High Voltage, and teams connected to Rokwon Music Group, Fire House, and Pstreet Records.

For G’Ovany, his long-term goal is to has a catalogue of songs that stand the test of time.

“I want to continue growing as a versatile artiste, reach more people locally and internationally, and create songs that can connect across generations. I also want to keep building a brand and body of work that reflects excellence, authenticity, and longevity,” he reasoned.

— Kevin Jackson