John Holt: Like a Bolt

Like a BoltIt seems odd to think that a great many singers from Jamaica began their careers on some sort of antiquated talent show circuit. Apparently, these contests were not only the springboard for new singers and performers, but well attended and even broadcast via radio waves across the island.

John Holt got his start on a series of these contests, apparently racking up more wins than any other contestant up until that time. That success wouldn't immediately translate to chart success, though. Holt recorded a few solo singles and even a duet with Alton Ellis that did a brisk business. But it didn't seem as if Holt would be able to sustain a solo recording career.

Partially as a result of this, Holt made a place for himself amongst the ever shifting ranks of the Paragons. He joined the group as a few of the principals were on the way out and after a lone single, the Paragons were again pared down as a result of a singer leaving. This relegated Holt to not only singer but song also writer and musical arranger.

For whatever reason, this combination of duties suited Holt, who had come to work regularly with Duke Reid and his Treasure Isle imprint. This configuration worked for a time, made both Holt and Reid a relatively great sum of cash and spread both their names across the island. Soon, though, Holt realized that he'd attained a level of notoriety that would allow him to perform solo. He did.

Holt's song book might be the most well known of any singer from JA apart from Marley's. His "The Tide is High" was a money maker for Blondie during the latter part of the '70s - but somehow, most folks have no idea that the track's a cover. Additionally, deejay U-Roy remade "Wear You to the Ball," as well as "Ali Baba," which ended up being an important piece of Jamaican melodic history.

While it'd be pretty difficult to compile all of this onto a single disc, Westside Records gave it a shot. The disc, John Holt Like a Bolt: Classic Rock Steady and Reggae (1968-73), was a reissue of an original Treasure Isle disc, but much expanded. The aforementioned classics from Holt are mostly absent - save for "Ali Baba". But that just means that some unrecognized material is getting an airing out.

Nothing here on John Holt Like a Bolt readily reveals the time that it was recorded. The tunes could be from anytime between the late '60s and late '70s. On occasion, Holt's work from this period, though, is saddled with the lover's rock tag. And regardless of whether or not that's fair, Holt did impact the British charts with some string laden production accompanying his compositions.

When diggin' up that musical dirt, some might be recalled more readily than Holt. They shouldn't be, but as the spate of reissues continue for anyone that ever mattered to JA music, hopefully, Holt's name will soon be thought of alongside of the Wailers and their cohort.