Interview with JUNO-Nominated & Award-Winning Canadian Reggae Icon Jay Douglas

Interview with JUNO-Nominated & Award-Winning Canadian Reggae Icon Jay Douglas

Today on What On What's Good with Jovin Tardif, I am here with Jay Douglas.  Douglas is a JUNO-Nominated & Award-Winning Canadian Reggae Artist.  His newest single is “I’m In Love With You”.  Jay first took to the stage over 45 years ago in his hometown of Montego Bay, Jamaica.  He was announced the winner of NOW Magazine’s “Toronto’s Best R&B Act” in 2006 and Toronto Reggae Awards “Male Reggae Vocalist Of The Year” in 2007.  Douglas was also nominated for “Reggae Recording of the Year” at the 2012 JUNO Awards and was the recipient of “G98.7 FM Entertainment Award” at the Harry Jarome Awards.  His most recent nomination was for his collaboration with General Trees on “Jah Children,” receiving his second JUNO nomination in 2020.   In our #cinqque5tion interview, we discuss his first appearance on stage, musical influences, memories of the arrival of Reggae in North America, and much more.

1. What was it like, the first time you appeared on stage in Montego Bay, Jamaica?

It was quite an experience. It was at the Palladium theatre. I was so concerned about having stage fright. That was a big thing then. My main goal was not to be taken down because of stage fright.,

2. Some of your influences include B.B. King, Fats Domino, James Brown, Bobby Blue Bland, Rosco Gordon.  Can you tell us a favourite song from each artist and why?

B.B. King – “Let the Good Times Roll”. It was written by the great Louis Jordan - I loved BB King’s interpretation and his solo was something special.

Fats Domino – “Be My Guest Tonight” that song was the beginning of Ska, RockSteady and leads to where we are today with Hip Hop which origins come from Jamaica – The drums and bass transcended first with the music of double bassist Lloyd Brevitt and Loydd Knibb on drums, the founding fathers of the Skatalites and later Sly and Robbie.

James Brown – “Try Me” – Sweet! The harmonies of the Flames and sweetness of the voice of James Brown …Awesome… and the energy of Mr. Brown.

Bobby Blue Bland – “Call on Me” – “Oh as a kid in Montego Bay I couldn’t wait to get a six-pence to hear it on a jukebox. It was his first hit. That song stays with me still today.

Rosco Gordon – “Surely, I Love You” – Rosco was a big start in Jamaica. It was such a driving sound; the way he strummed the piano. You know he played on a lot of those rock and roll songs that came out of Sun Records studio. When you listened to Rosco his music moved you. An unsung hero – he lost a lot of royalties in his early years.

3. Can you share any memories of the arrival of Reggae in North America.

Yes, the bands that came out of Jamaica were sent by the government, A band called the Shieks who had a great lead singer, a gentleman from Barbados called Jackie Opal; he had a hit with a song called “Your No Good”: well they came up to Toronto after and brought their music with them. Those records were some of the first records sold in Toronto at Monica’s Record Shop. Then there was the Canadian Talent Library (CTL) the number one station in Canada at the time CFRB put together some very well-orchestrated reggae albums (Reggae Magic (CTL) and Let's Put It All Together (CTL)) with ex Skataltes keyboardist Jackie Mittoo and a white Canadian singer called Vic Franklin.

Much later in the 70’s when Eric Clapton covered Bob Marley’s “I Shot The Sheriff” and Peter Tosh made “Walk and Don’t Look Back” with Mick Jagger they were big crossover hits that got a lot of people listening to reggae.

4.  Do you have any tips for young artists about writing music?

Just be true to yourself and write, write, and write. It’s a gift to be able to write about social things or love but be true to yourself. The power of thoughts and spoken words are a given art so keep on writing.

5. You have toured around the world. Do you have a favorite place where you like to perform? Please describe.

Yes, one of my favorite places to perform is Hong Kong, but that has changed today and it hurts because it used to be one of the trading capitals in the world. People from all over would come. There was so much life and living on those South China Seas. I used to sing at the Sheraton – the food – the nightclubs – Rick’s Café - music all night long into the morning, the opportunity to entertain people from all over the world. Incredible world.

6. What message do you want people to take away from your music?

The greatest power is love and the message is in the music. Love, oh yeah.

7. Where can we see you next?

You can see me next at Tribute to Jamaica’s 60th Anniversary of Independence at Harbourfront Centre with the Arsenals and Nana McLean on July 30th and at the CNE with Third World at the Bandshell on August 31st.