Zimpapers Logo

Freddie McGregor

VETERAN reggae act Freddie McGregor does not feel he has been given his due for his contribution to Jamaica’s music. His comments come as he celebrates 50 years in the local music fraternity. “Even after 50 years of musical contributions to my country, I am still not being fully recognised. I can’t help but to wonder what is the criteria to be honoured as too often talents are killed because of friendship and payola,” he said.

McGregor, who received an Order of Distinction from the Jamaican government in 2003 for his contribution to the music industry, said veterans including Ken Boothe and John Holt are among several veterans not given enough credit locally.

“If I was to be given Jamaica’s highest honours, I would ask that it be given to a John Holt or Ken Boothe as they have been paving the way years before me,” he said.

Both Holt and Boothe received ODs in 2004 and 2003, respectively. An OD is the sixth highest honour conferred upon Jamaican citizens who have rendered outstanding and important service to the country.

Despite the charge of lack of accolades from home, McGregor is being lauded for his work overseas. He was given a Pinnacle Award at this month’s Reggae Culture Salute in New York. And come November 22, the singer will be presented with the 2013 Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Award by the Institute of Caribbean Studies during the 20th Annual Caribbean American Heritage Awards Gala scheduled for the JW Marriott in Washington DC. The Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Award recognises an individual of Caribbean or Caribbean-American descent who has been instrumental in the development or creation of an essential facet of Caribbean culture.
“Each year, ICS is proud to present the Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Award to an individual who epitomises commitment and unmatched contributions to expanding awareness about Caribbean culture.

“Freddie McGregor meets all these criteria and much more. As we mark out 20th year of honouring Caribbean stalwarts and emerging stars, we are honoured that Freddie will stand among our golden honourees for this year,” said Dr Claire Nelson, ICS president and founder. – Jamaica Observer.

McGregor will join seven other Caribbean-Americans who are being honoured by ICS for their accomplishments in science, art, culture, medicine and corporate stewardship.

This is not the first time McGregor has come out in defence of veteran artistes.
Last year, he pulled out of the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival citing that he was displeased with the organisers handling of the programme which was commemorating Jamaica’s 50th year of Independence.

“I don’t like the way the 50th celebration is put together. It should be a concept programme,” McGregor told the Observer at the time. “I would have opened with The Jolly Boys doing a skit of Miss Lou and Mass Ran [Louise Bennett and Ranny Williams]. After that the Skatalites, followed by rocksteady, reggae and dancehall.”

He said the current line-up did not do justice to the evolution of the country’s music.
The line-up included Shaggy, Mykal Roze, Etana, Yellow Man, Marcia Griffiths, Derrick Morgan, Maxi Priest, Assassin, Half Pint, Pluto Shervington, Kymani Marley, George Nooks, Christopher Martin, AJ Brown, Lloyd Parks and We The People, Bryon Lee’s Dragonaires, and Marcia Barrett.

Born in Clarendon on June 27, 1956, Freddie McGregor is one of the genre’s most durable singers. At seven, he released his debut single Why Did You Do It.

His hits songs include Big Ship, Push Comes to Shove, Just Don’t Want to Be Lonely, and I Was Born a Winner. He established the Big Ship Recording Studio, and has produced many artistes including Luciano and Mikey Spice.— Jamaica Observer.