Song:In Paradise
Album:In Paradise
Jackie Edwards was a smooth crooner known as the Nat King Cole of Jamaica. He was popular in the 60s and 70s. This 1972 duet with another Jamaican legend Judy Mowatt is one of his most popular records. He was born Wilfred Gerald Edwards 1938 in Jamaica. He signed with Island Records and Island owner Chris Blackwell moved Edwards to England in 1962. Probably his biggest success was when his song Keep On Running was a big hit for The Spencer Davis Group in 1965. He also recorded an album with Millie Small. Edwards moved back to Jamaica and most of his 70s recordings were produced by Bunny Lee. Lee established himself producing other crooners like Slim Smith. In Paradise was first recorded by The Cookies in 1956. It's kind of odd for a Jamaican producer in the 70s to use an obscure doo wop song from the 50s. Of course it wasn't unusual for Jamaican producers to cover R & B songs. Lee thought the song would be a good duet for Edwards and he hired Jamaican music pioneer Judy Mowatt. Later on Judy would become famous as a member of Bob Marley's backup singers The I Three's. But in 1972 she recorded with Bunny Wailer as Jean Watt. Contractually she couldn't use her real name. So she recorded In Paradise with Edwards as Julie Ann. Later when it was learned that Judy was the singer on the record, the artist credit was changed to Jackie & Judy. It's the only time these two legends recorded together and you can get In Paradise on this Jackie Edwards comp. Edwards recorded occasionally until his death Aug. 15, 1992 at age 54. When Gregory Isaacs became popular in the 80s, Edwards was considered a major influence and given the name The Original Mr. Cool Ruler. Here's a video of In Paradise by Jackie & Judy.
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