ROBINSON SALUTES VETERAN JAMAICAN ARTISTS

Tuesday, evening was the release of Ed Robinson's single and video "Our Heroes" this was held at the Retro Lounge in Freeport, New York.  A throng of supporters and fans came out for the event.

Robinson took to the stage outfitted in Riddim Driven "Champion Sound" gear singing one of his hit tunes  "Ain't That Lovin you" to which he had the crowd rocking then he slid into another one of his popular songs "No More Mr. Lonely".  Thereafter, he paid a vocal tribute to the late veteran singer Gregory Isaacs "Love is Over Due" and the medley "Rumours"  When Robinson touched "Our Heroes" which has been number 1 in the New York singles chart for the past two weeks the audience was locked into the tune, as it was bringing back much memories.

Fans and supporters alike were in for a surprise in which the event was not only one to celebrate the release of Robinson's song and video but to celebrate the life and work of artists past and present who paved the way for today's artists.  In so doing, Robinson acknowledged some more of his heroes and friends in the business  - Michael Palmer, Big Youth, Frankie Paul, Wayne "Sleng Teng" Smith, Mikey Jarrett, Johnny Osbourne, Ansel Meditations and Carrott Jarrett formerly of Third World. Performances also came from future artists such as Ragga Lox and Lupa. After each performance roars of approval were given and encores were gained from the appreciative crowd, as the seasoned artists did not disappoint. They were all backed by Derrick Barnet and the Statement Band. Dwayne "DJ Bandit" Jones was the Master of Ceremonies.

A lot of support from the reggae fraternity was seen, artists like Tanya Mullins, who flew in from Canada, Jenn Liza formerly known as Jennie B, Glen Washington, Splicerr, Stephen Souza, Tilly Beng, Kappa Shanti, Junior Dread, Devon Jorge, Humbleton, Marcia Davis, Dani J, Shango Trex, Scepta, Dan Wallace, Yanks, Benny Boy, the Dancemaster, bassey, Bubbles, band leader, engineer, Courtney Panton and his sons New Kingston Band.

Spotted in the audience having fun were Pat Chin Owner and co-founder of VP Records, Chris Chin VP Records, Clive Chin VP Records/North Parade, VP Staff, VP Miss Jamaica,  Jim Vanwestering, Luciana Manerie of Manmen Productions, Delbert Rose DelRose Productions, Junior Forbes Founder Caribbean Cultural Conference, Carlyle McKetty, Howard “Junior Radixxx”, Judith Kitson, Sharon Gordon, Sheron Hamilton-Pearson, Splicerr, e2onair presenters, veteran soundman Downbeat, DJ Roy,  Louie Grant, Steve Williams a/k/a Yellow of Irie Jam, Kay Star, Transcontinental Shippers CEO Bob deSouza, RTN Richard Dawes, Erwine Sinclair, Shams Entertainment, Tripple Five, Lion TV, Joanne "Blackpoet" Stephens, All Black Radio, Lanny G, Steve McDermott of McD TV, Shay, Black Ice TV, Marjorie Flash and Big Sat of On Top of the Mountain Roots.

An especially touching moment occurred when Robinson paid tribute to Pat Chin Owner and co-founder of VP Records for establishing a great reggae empire, along with her stance in wanting a betterment for the product. He also thanked Carlyle McKetty and Sharon Gordon of TSO Productions/CPR for bringing a high class show to New York last weekend which comprised of the real Reggae Veterans and their continued support in preserving reggae music.

by: Michelle Arthurton