OLDIES SUNDAY: J.C. Lodge – Telephone Love (1988)

Women’s History Month is coming to a close, and we appreciate all the Women who stepped up to produce great music and content. For today’s “Oldies Sunday” selection, this tune was what you call a “banger”. The Artist is British-Jamaican Singer/Educator/Creative J.C. Lodge, and we check out her track, “Telephone Love“.

Produced by Augustus “Gussie” Clarke on the “Rumours Riddim” and released through Anchor Records/Music Works Records in 1988, J.C. Lodge’s “Telephone Love” takes us back to a time when the phones were corded, the dials were physical numbers or rotary, and long conversations could mean high phone bills. J.C. shared her admiration for a young man on the song, and she was eager to have those intimate conversations in person under the covers. You could be having a bad day, but that phone convo with that special someone was everything. “Telephone Love” was an instant hit for Lodge, not only was it a big tune in Jamaica, it was the first Dancehall/Reggae single to cross over into the R&B/Hip Hop markets in the U.S., charting high in the process, and gave Lodge an record deal with Tommy Boy Records. The single was also featured on her 1990 album, “Selfish Lover“, and the 1992 album, “Tropic of Love“. A version featuring Shabba Ranks was also released.

Since the release of “Telephone Love”, J.C. Lodge went on to release more music, created content focused on Children (her “Sing N Learn” series gained some popularity in Jamaica), and became a Schoolteacher and Fine Artist. She recently released a single in recognition of International Women’s Day, and looks to release even more music. “Telephone Love” remains one of her most popular singles.