Johnny Nash is a cult figure. He became famous as a performer of reggae and pop music. Johnny Nash enjoyed huge popularity after performing the immortal hit I Can See Clearly Now. He was one of the first non-Jamaican artists to record reggae music in Kingston.
Childhood and youth of Johnny Nash
Little is known about Johnny Nash's childhood and youth. Full name: John Lester Nash Jr. The future celebrity was born on August 19, 1940 in Houston (Texas).
Nash was brought up in a poor and large family. Johnny had to start early adult life to help his mother cope with financial problems.
He became familiar with music as a teenager. The guy earned his living as a street musician. Soon this passion grew into a desire to become a professional singer.
The creative path of Johnny Nash
Pop singer Johnny Nash began his career in the early 1950s of the last century. The artist has released several albums for ABC-Paramount. Music lovers liked Johnny's work, and the producers enriched their wallets on Nash's divine voice.
In 1958, the presentation of the debut disc took place. Johnny released a LP under his own name. About 20 singles were released between 1958 and 1964. on Groove, Chess, Argo and Warners labels.
By the way, Johnny Nash also made his debut as an actor during this period of time. He first appeared in the film adaptation of playwright Louis S. Peterson's Take a Giant Step. After this event, Johnny received a silver award for his performance at the Locarno International Film Festival.
Johnny was involved as a composer and actor in the movie Vill Så Gärna Tro (1971). In the film, he was entrusted with the role of Robert. The film's soundtrack was composed by Bob Marley and arranged by Fred Jordan.
Creation of Joda Records
Johnny Nash's business improved. In the mid-1960s, Johnny Nash and Danny Sims became the fathers of Joda Records in New York. The most interesting contract was signed with The Cowsills.
The Cowsills became famous thanks to the performance of the immortal hits Either You Do or You Don't and You Can't Go Halfway. In addition, the band wrote and recorded their own composition All I Really Wanta Be Is Me. It became the band's debut single on JODA (J-103).
Johnny Nash works in Jamaica
Johnny Nash recorded several tracks while traveling in Jamaica. The celebrity traveled in the late 1960s as his girlfriend had family ties to Neville Willoughby.
The musician's plans included the development of a local rocksteady sound in the United States of America. Willoughby introduced his vocals to local band Bob Marley and The Wailing Wailers. Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh and Rita Marley introduced Johnny to the local scene and its traditions.
Rocksteady is a musical style that existed in Jamaica and England in the 1960s. The basis of rocksteady is Caribbean rhythms on 4/4, as well as increased attention to the guitar and keyboards.
Johnny signed four exclusive recording deals with his own label JAD and an original publishing deal with Cayman Music. The advance was paid in the form of a weekly salary.
But the work of Marley and Tosh, from a commercial point of view, was not successful. In addition, it cannot be said that it aroused interest among music lovers. At that time, several tracks were presented: Bend Down Low and Reggae on Broadway. The last single was recorded in London at the same sessions as I Can See Clearly Now.
I Can See Clearly Now sold over 1 million copies. In addition, the single was awarded a gold disc by the RIAA. In 1972, he took 1st position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The track did not leave the top spot for more than a year.
I Can See Clearly Now featured four Marley tracks published by Jud: Guava Jelly, Comma Comma, You Poured Sugar on Me and Stir It Up.
Closing of Jada Records
In 1971, Johnny Nash's label Jada Records ceased to exist. For many fans, this turn of events was incomprehensible, since the record company was doing very well.
After 26 years, the label was revived in 1997 by American specialist Marley Roger Steffens and French musician Bruno Bloom for a ten-album series Complete Bob Marley & The Wailers 1967-1972.
In the last years of his life, along with his son, Nash ran a recording studio in Houston called Nashco Music.
Interesting facts about the singer
- Johnny Nash had a high singing tenor voice.
- In his interviews, the singer said that the most valuable thing in the world is his family. He adored his son.
- The work of Johnny Nash was popular in Jamaica. Many say that this is the most "non-Jamaican popular singer of Jamaica."
- In the early 1970s, Johnny, along with Bob Marley, took part in a large-scale tour of the UK.
- In the last years of his life, the singer revised his lifestyle. He managed to almost completely abandon bad habits.
Death of Johnny Nash
The famous singer died at the age of 80. According to the singer's son, his father passed away on Tuesday October 6, 2020 due to natural causes.
