The Paragons

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The Paragons were a style influencing Jamaican rock steady band from Kingston in the 1960s.

The original cast consisted of Garth "Tyrone" Evans, Bob Andy, Junior Menz and Leroy Stamp. In 1964 Leroy Stamp was replaced by John Holt and Junior Menz by Howard Barret.

The early music of the Paragons was heavily influenced by American soul music and used the typical tight vocal harmonies of the Jamaican groups of the early 1960s. 1964 the record producer Duke Reid became aware of the group; a number of successful singles were recorded for his label "Treasure Isle".

After these early successes, Bob Andy left the group, the Paragons gave up their soulful style and became one of Jamaica's most popular rocksteady bands. Disagreements over financial matters broke up the group in 1970. Only John Holt was able to continue a noteworthy solo career.

One of the most notable Jamaican popular pieces of music by the Paragons is The Tide Is High , written by John Holt and accompanied by "White Rum" Raymond on violin. In 1980 the cover version of Blondie became a number 1 hit in the USA and in the British charts, Atomic Kitten's version also became a number 1 success in 2002 and in Germany the song rose to number 3.

Discography

  • 1968: On the Beach
  • 1974: Paragons (The Paragons with Roslyn Sweat)
  • 1978: Return
  • 1981: Sly & Robbie Meet the Paragons
  • 1982: Now
  • 1998: The Paragons Sing The Beatles & Dylan

Web links