OLDIES SUNDAY: Johnny Nash – Hold Me Tight (1968)

February is recognized as “Reggae Month” in Jamaica, and in parts of the world. It is also Black History Month, and on “Oldies Sunday“, we’re celebrating Black Music. Today, we highlight History as we go back to the 1960s to check out American Reggae/Pop/Soul Singer Johnny Nash and his track, “Hold Me Tight“.

Co-Produced with Arthur Jenkins and released through JAD Records in 1968, Johnny Nash is making up with him lady through song in “Hold Me Tight”. Nash admits his mistakes throughout the relationship, and realizes that his lady is the right one for him, so he’s going to do all the right things to make the their union better. “Hold Me Tight” created History as being one of the first Rocksteady singles to be performed and released by a non-Jamaican, and it went on to become a top 5 hit in North America (securing a #1 in Canada), and earning a top 5 placement in the UK. It also paved the way for Nash to release even more Reggae/Rocksteady singles. “Hold Me Tight” was used in Commercials for the Score brand, was sampled by Tanya Stephens and Spragga Benz, and covered by the likes of Gregory Isaacs, Eddie Lovette, Anthony Swete, and Anita Harris.

Since the release of “Hold Me Tight”, Johnny Nash continued to release more albums and singles until the early 80s where he seemed to have disappeared from the spotlight. His career enjoyed some resurgence during the 90s, and started singing again in the 2000s. Johnny Nash passed away in October 2020 after his health started to decline for years. “Hold Me Tight” remains one of his most popular singles to date, and a part of Jamaican Music History.