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Joseph Velvet Bets on 'Evermore' as Veteran Singer Continues Comeback
๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ฒ Jamaica /Culture & Society

Joseph Velvet Bets on 'Evermore' as Veteran Singer Continues Comeback

From Jamaica Observer · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Veteran reggae singer Joseph Velvet is releasing a reimagined version of his song 'Evermore' to reach a new generation of listeners.
  • The remake, inspired by his son, transforms the R&B-influenced original into a full reggae production featuring prominent Jamaican musicians.
  • Velvet, whose career has been marked by resilience and setbacks including severe spinal injuries from accidents, continues to believe in his music and perseverance.

Reggae singer Joseph Velvet is betting on 'Evermore,' a newly reimagined version of a song from his 'Perseverance' album, to introduce his music to a new audience and re-engage longtime fans. The veteran vocalist, whose given name is Joseph Jordan Jones, aims to capture the attention of younger listeners while reminding established fans of his talent. Originally recorded with strong R&B influences, 'Evermore' has been reborn as a full reggae production, re-released through Jones Production and distributed worldwide by CD Baby. The idea for the remake originated with his son, Joseph, who believed the song's musicians and lyrics would garner more attention, leading to increased streams and downloads. The new recording features contributions from esteemed Jamaican musicians, including saxophonist Dean Fraser, keyboardists Boris France and Paul โ€œWrong Moveโ€ Crosdale, and bassist Danny Basie, whose performances enhance the song's emotional depth. For Velvet, this release signifies another chapter in a career defined by resilience. Despite decades in the industry, he acknowledges not always receiving the recognition he feels his work deserves. However, he remains focused on his craft and the message of perseverance he shares through his music. His philosophy, 'Go for what you want and believe in yourself,' was shaped by personal adversity. Bursting onto the Jamaican music scene in the late 1980s with his hit cover 'Wildflower,' Velvet performed alongside reggae legends. After migrating to the U.S. for broader opportunities, his career faced a significant setback in 2003 due to severe spinal injuries from multiple car accidents, leading to years of rehabilitation, depression, and uncertainty about his future performing. The son's suggestion for the remake marks a hopeful new phase.

The idea to do a remake of this reggae version came from my son Joseph. His thinking was that with these popular musicians and the lyrics, the song would get noticed and as a result there would be more views, streams and downloads.

โ€” Joseph VelvetExplaining the origin of the reimagined song 'Evermore'.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jamaica Observer in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.