Veteran reggae vocalist Junior Byles is alive and well although he continues to battle with mental illness, shares his eldest daughter Christine Byles.
Byles turns 74 today and a celebration will be held in his honour at the House of Dread located on Deanery Road, St Andrew.
“The event is hosted by Miguel Lorne, Denise Isis Miller and [music insider] Big Stone,” Christine told THE STAR, adding that she would be travelling to Jamaica for the occasion.
Recording artistes Nature Ellis and Emmanuel Chin will be providing the entertainment for the event. Known for the classic reggae songs like Curly Locks, Beat Down Babylon and A Place Called Africa, the legendary crooner, whose given name is Kenneth Byles Jr, gained popularity in the 1970s with his forthright lyrics and was poised for international exposure.
“My father will be awarded the Ambassador for Peace as well,” his daughter said proudly. He is being given this honour by Big Stone Recordings and Productions. According to the label’s principal Claude ‘Big Stone’ Sinclair, it is a title that Byles “more than deserves,” having gained the respect of “artistes like Bob Marley, who referred to him as his singer.”
“Junior has some of the biggest songs in the history of reggae and dancehall, creating the biggest impact that helped to instill calm back in the days and are still some of the most played in the dance,” Big Stone told THE STAR. He previously organised a benefit concert for Byles. The event was staged as part of the Reggae Month celebrations in 2019 and was held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre.
“When there was political upheaval, this legendary artiste had provided songs like Beat Down Babylon and Fade Away which had soothing sounds. Even though he may not be 100 in terms of his sanity, I think the work he has done prior has done great for him,” he said. “His daughter and us plan to give him something down to earth to make him feel good and at home, especially at House of Dread where he used to hang out. We are taking him back into yesteryears as we celebrate his 74th year.”
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