The Paragons "On The Beach" (1967) on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Jamaica #Rocksteady #Music #13thStreetPromotions #TheParagons #OnTheBeach #TreasureIsle #DukeReid #1967 #JohnHolt #BobAndy #HowardBarrett #GarthEvans #OldiesSunday #Oldies #OldSchool #Riddim #Caribbean

OLDIES SUNDAY: The Paragons – On The Beach (1967)


It’s Summer, and it’s time to have some fun. How about some music to go with it? Today on “Oldies Sunday“, we’re highlighting a song that you could call a “Summer Song“. We go back in time to check out The Paragons’ “On The Beach“.

Produced by Sonia Pottinger with arrangement by Tommy McCook & The Supersonics and released through Treasure Isle in 1967, it’s time to revel in some fun with The Paragons’ “On The Beach”. The group, consisting of John Holt, Garth Evans, Bob Andy, and Howard Barrett, delivered harmonies and good vibes with their song that painted the picture of days at the beach with friends, playing music to dance all the time to, and having fun like it’s never gonna end. “On The Beach” quickly became a hit for The Paragons, and ended up becoming one of the group’s best releases. The single would later be featured on their 1967 album, “On The Beach With The Paragons“. “On The Beach” would later be sampled by Microphones Killarz, and covered by band member John Holt, Byron Lee and The Dragonaires, and Wayne Wade.

Since the release of “On The Beach”, The Paragons would go on to release more music until John Holt left in 1970 to pursue a solo career. Garth Evans would also leave for solo endeavours, and The Paragons would go through a few band and name changes before disbanding. The group would reform in the late 70s, and would perform over the years. Evans, Holt, and Bob Andy would pass away in 2000, 2014, and 2020 respectively. “On The Beach” would remain one of their biggest releases.

Thank You The Paragons For This Classic!

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Phyllis Dillon "Don't Stay Away" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Jamaica #Reggae #Ska #Rocksteady #Music #13thStreetPromotions #PhyllisDillon #DontStayAway #1967 #DukeReid #TreasureIsleRecords #TommyMcCookandTheSupersonics #OldSchool #Oldies #OldiesSunday #Caribbean

OLDIES SUNDAY: Phyllis Dillon – Don’t Stay Away (1967)


Oldies Sunday” was made for those who grew up around the Radio, who grew up with Vinyl Records, Cassettes, CDs, MP3 Players, 8 Track, and Music Streaming platforms. In other words, for those who appreciate the music before our time, and those who lived in the time of these tunes. Today’s selection comes from one of Jamaica’s greatest Songbirds. Her name is Phyllis Dillon, and we’re checking out, “Don’t Stay Away“.

Produced by Duke Reid with backing by Tommy McCook and The Supersonics and released through his Treasure Isle Records in 1967, it’s all about a love that has strong hold on someone in Phyllis Dillon’s “Don’t Stay Away”. Dillon shares that if the Man she’s interested knew the extent of her love, he wouldn’t have considered other Women. While there may be other Women who she claims are more beautiful than her and would try to treat him nice, she believes she would do a better job, and he wouldn’t need another. “Don’t Stay Away” was a hit for Phyllis Dillon, was considered “the finest female performance in Jamaican Music“, and was her first Record with Duke Reid. “Don’t Stay Away” was also sampled by Kes The Band for the track, “Tuesday On The Rocks” in 2012 Dillon went on to voice even more music with Duke Reid, acquiring more success along the way.

Since the release of “Don’t Stay Away”, Phyllis Dillon migrated to the United States, and released more music including her debut album, “One Life To Live” while having a career in the Banking sector. She ended her career as a Recording Artist in 1971, but thanks to an invitation to perform in Jamaica in the early 1990s, she developed a renewed interest in recording and performing. By the mid-1990s, a resurgence of Ska music in the United States lead her back into the Studio, and she remained active touring, performing, and recording until her passing on April 15, 2004 after a battle with Cancer. “Don’t Stay Away” remains one of Dillon’s biggest singles, and is still celebrated around the world.

Thank You Phyllis Dillon For This Classic!

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The Paragons "Wear You To The Ball" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Jamaica #Caribbean #TheParagons #WearYouToTheBall #1967 #HappyNewYear #TreasureIsle #DukeReid #TommyMcCook #Rocksteady

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.

Thanks for being a part 13th Street Promotions in 2023.

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Death In Paradise for 13thStreetPromotions.com #Jamaica #BBC #DeathInParadise #UK #TV #JohnHolt #TommyMcCook

Classics From The Paragons & Tommy McCook Featured In New @DeathInParadise Episode!


Jamaican music continues to seep through some of your favourite pieces of content daily, and some of your favourite TV shows are continuing to get a piece of the vibes. Last week we highlighted a Popcaan classic being featured in “Power Book IV: Force, and this week we’re highlighting something from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Familiar with the series called “Death In Paradise“? Then follow this article for more.

On the 8th episode of the 11th series/season of “Death In Paradise”, classics from Jamaican Icons The Paragons and Tommy McCook were featured. The Paragons were up first with their classic, “Man Next Door” a.k.a. “I’ve Got To Get Away“. The single was released in 1968 through a few labels including Duke Records and Amalgamated Records, and featured vocals from the late John Holt and Bob Andy. Tommy McCook & The Supersonics were next up later in the episode with their 1970 classic, “Reggae Merengue“. This Instrumental was released through Treasure Isle Records, and was sampled by UK Artist Lily Allen.

“Death In Paradise” is a British–French crime drama television series that is set on the fictional Island of Saint Marie. Jamaican Actress Shantol Jackson is featured in Series/Season 11 as Sergeant Naomi Thomas.

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