Reggae legend and one of Jamaica's well-loved vocalists John Holt passed away last Sunday, October 19, at a London hospital. He was 67 years old.

After having been taken ill last August 16 at the One Love Festival, the reggae legend has given in and passed away last Sunday. His death was confirmed by Copeland Frobes, Holt's manager.

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Holt, born on July 11, 1947 in Kingston, Jamaica, was first known as a member of the rock steady-era band, the Paragons, but later left the band in the 1970s.

Holt has produced 40 albums throughout his career and is known for his strong live performances.

As a young man, he had been successful in local talent competitions which led to his discovery by the legendary Jamaican singer-songwriter Bob Andy. Andy then reached out to other talents and later formed the Paragons in the 1960s.

Andy compared Holt's 'velvet tone' to that of Nat King Cole, saying that he was just the thing for the 'mimicking of the American and English hits' which were popular in Jamaica during that time.

Furthermore, Holt wrote song for the Paragons including 'Ali Baba', 'I See Your Face' and 'Wear You to the Ball' which helped the band shoot to popularity and become one of the top performers in Jaimcan music.

Holt also recorded on his own in the mid-1960s, producing hits under Coxsone Dodd and Duke Reid and eventually left the Paragons.

However, despite leaving the Paragons, they still released the song he wrote entitle 'The Tide is High'. The song reached number one in the UK and US in 1980 after Blondie covered the song.

Holt's fame continued even after leaving the band. He released his album 'Stick By Me' in 1973 and it became a hit as well along with a '1,000 Volts of Holt' which was a series of covers pop songs at that time.

Holt will be remembered for his talents and unique tone, according to Andy, saying that the singer had a naturally good voice which 'didn't need to push the envelope'.

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