OLDIES SUNDAY: The Paragons – Wear You To The Ball (1967)

It’s New Year’s Eve, and many are out and about, preparing to ring in 2024. Some will be staying home, some will be going to Night Church, and others will be partying it up. For today’s final Oldies Sunday of 2023, we highlight a classic that has found its way in sets of many DJs at the NYE party. We check out The Paragons’ “Wear You To The Ball“.

Produced by Duke Reid and backed by Tommy McCook & The Supersonics, The Paragons’ “Wear You To The Ball” was released in 1967 through the Treasure Isle label. The single was a blend of great harmonies and powerful Instrumentation as the Singers Bob Andy, John Holt, Howard Barrett, and Garth “Tyrone” Evans sang about taking their lady to the Ball. Ballroom events usually bring out the stars, the song suggests that the lucky lady will be a standout all night. “Wear You To The Ball” quickly became a hit for the quartet, and is recognized as one of their most successful ones. The single was covered by the likes of UB40, Horace Andy, Johnny Clarke, and sampled by Anthony Malvo.

As 2023 comes to an end in a few hours, we hope 2024 brings more good than bad. Many of us faced some of our worst times this year, may the new year bring something positive. Here’s to more wins.