On April 30, at the Grand Stand, Queen's Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, lovers of sweet vintage music will get a chance to go down memory lane with six Caribbean legends of music.Three Caribbean countries will be represented by six artistes-John Holt, Dobby Dopson, Lord Laro, Edwin Yearwood, Baron and H20 Phlo.Coming from Jamaica will be John Holt, Dobby Dobson and Trinidad born "Lord Laro."Over his well-documented career, the unassuming John Holt has racked up a number of timeless hits, but he is especially renowned for his unique interpretation of love songs. Perhaps the most famous of his classics is Help Me Make It Through The Night, a Kris Kristofferson composition that was previously a chart topper for Gladys Knight and the Pips.
On Holt's endearing vocals, media entertainment giant Real Music recently wrote the following: "His smooth soulful voice is a favourite, particularly on covers of popular American R&B...his is a voice you can truly feel."Kenneth Lara, stage name "Lord Laro" was born in Claxton Bay, Trinidad on the 29th February 1940, and without a day's formal training became the star on the local talent programme for children at the age of 12. But that was only the beginning of an impressive and progressive climb up the ladder of fame.Lord Laro soon entered the Calypso Tent which only accepted top class professional calypsonians who are worthy to perform at the annual Carnival in Trinidad. By 1961 he joined the West Indian Regiment and became known as "singing soldier." His singing talents shone and when it was time for big events, Lord Laro was the star. His fellow soldiers also depended on his singing to console and encourage them during rigid training.
His battalion was sent to Jamaica that year for further training at Harman Barracks. And it was in Jamaica that the wheel of fortune stopped in his direction. He met a lovely Jamaican girl, Norma, and fell in love and his record Referendum became the number four song on the Jamaican hit parade, and remained on the chart for eighteen (18) weeks. It was in 1961 that the Federation was dissolved and soldiers from Trinidad were sent home. He marries Norma and they both went to Trinidad, where he continued his Army life until 1968.But he didn't give up singing. Good for him...because during that time he became one of the top calypsonians of Trinidad, and a full time professional entertainer.Lord Laro was nearer his dream, but the memories of Jamaica lingered and he longed to return. So when he got an offer to perform at the Yellow Bird Club, in Montego Bay, he didn't hesitate. Lord Laro became the talk of the town and soon his diary was full of appointments to sing at such prestigious night spots on Jamaica's north coast tourist centre, as Banana Boat, Humming Bird and top class hotels.
The going was good, Jamaicans and tourists loved his shows, so Norma and Kenneth decided to set up their home in Montego Bay. But there was something missing.Lord Laro had "so many ideas in his head, the lyrics and music were flowing," but he didn't know how to put them together. So in 1969 he registered at the Federal City College (now the University of Washington DC) to study composing and arranging for two years.At the end of the course, he returned to Jamaica where he made his home and from where he travels the world to perform his many hits.Barbados will be represented by Edwin Yearwood. Yearwood is a natural born entertainer whose accolades and songwriting genius establish him as the undisputed Soca King. Yearwood, or as his band mates affectionately call him "General, is a mighty talent. His intimate relationship with melodies and lyrics manifests itself in a creation of hit songs that are not only the very essence of the band Krosfyah, but music that has rocked the hips and soothed the souls of audiences worldwide.Trinidad & Tobago will also be well represented by non other than the "Sweet Soca Man" himself Baron and the versatile H2O Phlo.Voices of Love promises to be an evening of unsurpassed excellence and is sure to have you singing and dancing in the isles.
• Early bird ticket buyers get a whopping $20 off for two days only, April 8 to 9. For more info call Spektakula Promotions at 628-8700, 685-3788 or 322-3720.