I Will – John Holt (1976) – Sanchez Song Of The Day

John Holt was a reggae singer from Kingston, Jamaica. He had a long career as an innovative reggae artist, recording large amounts of albums, once even with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. I don’t listen to a lot of reggae, but about a week ago, I came across the 1973 album 1000 Volts of Holt. I started listening to the album and really enjoyed the feel and instrumentation. I did some research and saw he released 2000 Volts of Holt a few years later. The back of the record album says this:

Easily the most successful John Holt L.P. to date has been the superlative 1,000 VOLTS OF HOLT album, recorded and released in 1973. It was the first ever reggae album to sell in vast quantities, not only to the ethnic market but also to all people irrespective of age, colour, and creed… 2,000 VOLTS OF HOLT is the first John Holt album to be released since DUSTY ROADS in 1974 and contains all the same ingredients that made 1,000 Volts such a huge success: the beautiful arrangements from Brian Rogers, the magic touch of Tony Ashfield’s production, the superb rhythm tracks recorded in Jamaica, and John’s own individual treatment of songs that have now become standards.

It looks like there have been recent CD releases that combine his albums together. John Holt toured and performed until the end of his life. He took ill at the One Love Festival in August of 2014 and passed away in October of the same year.

The song he covers here is a Beatles tune called “I Will.” He changes the words here and there but I just love what he does with the arrangement and feel. I encourage you to give it a listen.

Fun Fact: John had 12 children and 25 grandchildren.

Listen for: The feel. If I’m being honest, I hear a few wrong notes from John here and there and some from the band as well. But who cares! A little musical imperfection gives the music character and causes it to feel real. I feel so much more connected with music that is imperfect, since I am an imperfect musician and person. (Getting of my soapbox) Anyway, the feel is so great on this tune.

Hope you enjoy!

Song: “I Will”

Artist: John Holt

Album: 2000 Volts of Holt

Year: 1976

Other great tracks from both albums:
“Mr Bojangles”
“Baby I’m a Want You”
“Killing Me Softly”
“Just The Way You Are”