Geoffrey Chung – 13th Street Promotions

February is celebrated as Reggae Month. It also recognizes Black History Month in many parts of the world. The month is also one for love as Valentine’s Day is celebrated. For today’s Oldies Sunday selection, we celebrate a Black Man who created a love song in the name of Reggae. His name is Maxi Priest, and we check out “Close To You“.

Produced by Handel Tucker, Geoffrey Chung, and Sly Dunbar, Maxi Priest’s “Close To You” was released in 1990 through Charisma Records. The song finds Priest being completely smitten by a girl who may seem like trouble. Regardless, but he is eager to be close to her, catering to her every need. The Reggae Fusion track featured smooth vocals by Priest backed by a production that was sure to captivate your entire being. “Close To You” was an instant hit for Maxi Priest, it scored a #1 slot on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and top 10 placements in the UK, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and various countries in Europe. The single also went Gold in Sweden and Australia. “Close To You” was featured on Priest’s 5th studio album, the Gold-selling “Bonafide“. With the catchy hook, it quickly became a mainstay for R&B mixtape lovers, especially for couples during the Valentine’s season. “Close To You” was covered by the likes of Origene, B3, Pachanga, Jay Delano, and The Uptown Band. The song was sampled by the likes of Jay Sean, Eric B & Rakim, and Tony Sunshine.

Since the release of “Close To You”, Maxi Priest went on to have a successful career in the 1990s. He is still an active Artist, having secured GRAMMY nominations over the years, and is still celebrated worldwide as one of the most successful Reggae Fusion Artists Internationally. “Close To You” will be remembered as one of his most recognized singles, and one to keep in rotation for Valentine’s Day.

THANK YOU MAXI PRIEST FOR THIS CLASSIC!

Check out the original music video for “Close To You” along with the newer version below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.

Continue reading “OLDIES SUNDAY: @MaxiPriest – Close To You (1990)” →

In recognition of Women’s History Month, we take the time out to feature Women who have made great contributions to our music culture. While we celebrate the Women all year over here, we recognize some through our Oldies Sunday section. Today we close off the month, and our selection comes from a Woman who has made great strides, the legendary Judy Mowatt with “Black Woman“!

Produced by Judy Mowatt and Geoffrey Chung and released through Ashandan Records in 1977, this is one of Mowatt’s most important songs as she promotes, loves, and pays tribute to the Black Woman, and her pride and immense strength. The Black Woman has experienced and endured so much, and Judy’s song has gone on to be more than a tribute, but a song that has lived through generations, and inspired many. “Black Woman” is featured on Mowatt’s 1979 album of the same name, which is another important feat for her as she was recognized as the first Jamaican female recording artist who took on the role of producing the album in its entirety. Since the release of “Black Woman”, Judy Mowatt has gone on to become a legendary artist with various releases, and also became the first female artist to be nominated for a Reggae Grammy in 1985. As we close off the month, may we continue to celebrate the Women, and most importantly, protect them.

Thank You Judy Mowatt!

Check out the track below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.

Continue reading “OLDIES SUNDAY: Judy Mowatt – Black Woman (1977)” →

THANK YOU MAXI PRIEST FOR THIS CLASSIC!

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Thank You Judy Mowatt!

If you like this post, please share with a friend and help us grow!