June 22 is recognized in the UK as “Windrush Day“. “Windrush” refers to the generation of African-Caribbean people who emigrated to the UK post World War II (WWII) to assist with recovery efforts, and much more. “Windrush” also refers to the HMT Windrush Empire Ship that transported these migrants. June 22 is a day that honours that generation, and was introduced in 2018 by British Social Commentator/Political Activist of Jamaican heritage, Patrick Vernon. Today on “Oldies Sunday“, we want to highlight music from the children of the “Windrush Generation“. We go back to the 80s to check out UK band Imagination, and their single, “Just An Illusion“.
Produced by Tony Swain and Steven Jolley, a.k.a. Jolley & Swain, and released through R&B Records in 1982, “Just An Illusion” was a song about having a need to experience things and situations that were just dreams before. The Funk/R&B single featured harmonizing notes, solid production that instantly grabbed the listener, and a vibe that had everyone dancing. Comprised of Leee John, Errol Kennedy, and Ashley Ingram, these were children of the “Windrush Generation” whose parents emigrated from Jamaica (Kennedy was born there), and St. Lucia (Leee John). “Just An Illusion” became the biggest hit for Imagination, climbing to the #2 spot on the UK Singles chart, topping the charts in Spain, and becoming top ten hits in France, Ireland, The Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, and West Germany. The single also enjoyed Gold and Silver certifications, and was included in the soundtrack for the 1986 Film, “F/X“, along with their 1982 album, “In The Heat Of The Night“. “Just An Illusion” would later be sampled by P.M. Dawn, Mariah Carey, The Pharcyde, Destiny’s Child, and Cormega.
Since the release of “Just An Illusion”, Imagination would go on to enjoy some more success with the release of more music. The band would split in 1987 and include new members, but their popularity decreased, and they called it quits in 1992 after releasing their final album. Leee John would go into acting, Ashley Ingram would enjoy success as a Songwriter, and Errol Kennedy would perform under a new version of Imagination named ImagiNation feat. Errol Kennedy. The “Windrush Generation” introduced new cultures and sounds to Europe, and children of that generation like members of Imagination, would help to boost the musical economy.
Thank You Imagination For This Classic!
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