Remembering Vere Johns Pt.2

Vere Johns got married in 1926 when he took the hand of a very beautiful assistant post mistress working at the Linstead Post Office, Miss Lucas. Despite wearing many hats he was still able to find time to frequently write to the editors of various newspapers, on issues of various matters. This prepared Vere for his sojourn into journalism when he migrated to the United States in 1929. Never the type to be satisfied with little, he also took an active part in radio and stage dramatics, both producing and acting. Vere worked with several newspapers, the likes of New York World, New York Herald Tribune, New York Age, The Boston Chronicle and the Savannah Journal. In 1934, Vere's marriage ended in divorce.
It was in 1935 that Vere walked in the stage door of a Harlem theatre to start production on a new play when he was introduced to a budding actress by the name of Lillian Margaret May. A few months later they were married. Lillian, known in acting circles as `Lady Luck`, was a Brooklyn born beauty and she went on to play a tremendous role in Vere's life, as wife, mother and business associate. The Johns eventually moved to Savannah, Georgia where Vere became the editor of the Savannah Tribune Newspaper. He quickly became a central figure in the Savannah area and gained a lot of respect from many. One such person was the owner of the Savannah Star Cinema, a Mr. Thomas, who asked Vere to give him an idea in order to boost the attendance at the cinema. Vere took the matter to his wife and she suggested the implementation of the `Opportunity Hour` talent show. Wasting no time, Lillian organized the very first `Opportunity Hour` in 1937, in which she auditioned the contestants, emceed and performed.
The contest ran until 1939 when the family relocated to Jamaica and where the then manager of the Palace Amusement Company, Audley Morais, asked the Johns to continue the contest at the Palace Theatre. Hence, the first Jamaican `Opportunity Hour` took place at the Palace Theatre in 1939 with the first winner being Denzil Laing.

Di Little Boy In Di Yard

The name Dudley Sibley is not one that readily comes to mind, except you are familiar with the daily happenings at Sonic Sound, Studio One or Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes and Affiliates (JAVAA). Yet, here is an artiste who was good enough to have hit the British and local charts in the 1960s with his first recording, `Gunman`. (1966)
Dudley migrated from his rural district in the parish of Saint Mary to Kingston in the late 1950s. Having to overcome the adversity of not having his mother or father around, he was taken care of by a friend of his aunt who eventually took him to stay in the Kencot area of the city. Dudley made friends with Trevor Wilson, brother of Delroy Wilson who at the time was creating waves in the Jamaica's music. Trevor encouraged Dudley move in with his family in Trench Town and from there Dudley was taken to the famous Studio One. Making himself worthwhile, Dudley started doing janitorial work at the studio, including the cleaning of Sir Coxsone Dodd's car.
With an ambition to be a recording artiste, Dudley sneaked into the studio when he could and with the help of the likes of Jackie Mittoo and BB Seaton, was able to record his first song, `Gunman`. Interestingly, when Sir Coxsone heard the recording and asked who it was, he was told that it was `Di little Boy In Di Yard`.
The song became a hit in Jamaica but was eventually banned, in keeping with government's policy against what was deemed anti government sentiments at the time. `Gunman`, with its thumping Rocksteady beat made its way on the British chart, reaching the number eight position. Several other good songs followed, `Run Boy Run`, `Hole In Your Soul`, `Having A Party`, `Time Is The Key` and `My Whole World Ended`.
Unable to sustain the kind of momentum to keep his career going, Dudley suffered from mental depression and was admitted to the Bellevue Hospital for a brief period. He eventually checked himself out and resumed his singing career as well as entering theological college and graduated with a diploma in theology. Dudley is currently working on a soon- to- be released album which will also include some gospel recordings. His compilation entitled `Dudley Sibley: A Studio One Pioneer`, is a must for all who value good Jamaican music. Coming soon too is the Vintage Boss Productions, DVD feature entitled `Di Little Boy In Di Yard: The Dudley Sibley Story`.

Roy Richards Passed On

The blind genius Roy Richards passed away on Friday May 25, 2007 at his home in Saint Ann, Jamaica. Small in stature and blind since birth in 1941, Roy emerged out of the late 1950s (1959) when he copped the first prize numerous times blowing his harmonica on the popular Opportunity Hour talent show hosted by Vere Johns and his wife, Lillian.
Roy, like other winners at the time then went straight into recording when he went to Vincent Randy's Chin and Sir Coxsone and did several recording backings with his trademark harmonica. His vocal ability was brought to the fore and Roy teamed with Paulette March, to record several top pieces. He also teamed up with Enid Cumberland (Keith and Enid fame). Throughout the 1960s he worked out with Byron Lee and the Dragaonaires Band and even formed his own, Roy Richards and The Ramblers Band.
Though not as versatile a harmonica player as the great Charles `Charlie Organiare` Cameron, Roy thrilled thousands in his lifetime and copped the Popular Song Contest(formerly Festival Song Contest) in 2001 with the catchy song called `Lift up Jamaica`.
Vintage Boss