The Month of March is recognized as “Women’s History Month“, and we recognize a few great Women who made significant contributions to Music. Today’s selection on “Oldies Sunday” comes from Adina Edwards with the track, “Don’t Forget To Remember“.
Produced by Tommy Cowan and released through Dynamic Sounds in 1972, “Don’t Forget To Remember” was Adina Edwards’ cover of British-Australian group The Bee Gees’ 1969 single. The song speaks about someone who is dealing with a breakup, and shares with their former lover that they still love them, and they should keep them and their memories close, and never forget them. The original was delivered in a Country Music style, but when Edwards took the reins, she delivered with in a soulful way that made even Church folks sing praises. The song would later be featured on her 1973 album of the same name, and become a very popular selection in Jamaica, making Edwards a household name. She made history as being the third Woman in Jamaican music to make it to the top 10 charts in 1972, a feat that took some time to happen as the music scene was Male-dominated, coming in at number 8. Adina Edwards was a blind Singer who was known to frequent parts of Kingston in the 1960s where she sang and played musical Instruments (namely the Accordion and Piano) in the streets for donations. She was first known for her performance during her time at the Salvation Army Institute For The Blind in 1939, and would enter a number of talent shows over the years, winning over the crowd. A chance meeting with Tommy Cowan would change her life for the better, and he would produce a number of her singles, ranging from R&B, Soul, Calypso, and Gospel, but would lean more to Gospel music in later years. She also collaborated with Byron Lee (who signed her to his label), Joe Gibbs, and “Sir Coxsone” Dodd, and released three albums. She also released music through a label called “Help The Blind“, we believe it was owned by her. She was a true believer of not letting her disability hinder her greatness.
Since the release of “Don’t Forget To Remember”, Adina Edwards would release more music, but would soon become well known for her Gospel releases, making some consider her a “Queen of Jamaican Gospel Music“, inspiring many Gospel Artists. She would continue to perform at various events over the years, racking up praises from those who experienced her music. She is mentioned in the book, “Songbirds: Pioneering Women in Jamaican Music“, and her famous Accordion was donated to The Jamaican Music Museum. Outside of music, she was a loving Mother who adopted a number of children, and also ran a Nursery in Kingston during the 1970s where she took care of 48 children. Edwards passed away in 2008, but her legacy lives on.
THANK YOU Adina Edwards FOR THIS HIT!
Check out the track along with a feature on Adina Edwards by Big Stone Television below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.
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