John Holt's Funeral

By Steve James on Thursday, November 20, 2014 - Photos by Steve James - Comment

John Holt was laid to rest at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in downtown Kingston.

The curtain came down on the illustrious career of one of Jamaica beloved singers when John Holt was laid to rest at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in downtown Kingston on November 17^th.

The service was well attended by several of the icons in the music business, family members, government officials and his fans. With a musical tribute that started at 9 am, and lasted for approximately an hour, the list of those paying tribute included a stellar line up artiste such as The Silvertones, Derrick Harriott, Hezron, Tinga Stewart, Boris Gardner, Luciano and sons of John Holt, Junior and Brian Holt. Singer Carlene Davis and Ken Boothe also did a musical selection during the service.

John Holt Funeral

As with all the artistes who performed singer Karen Smith performed one of John Holt’s classics while her husband, veteran bass player Jackie Jackson who played on John Holt’s 1,000 Volts album was part of her backing band. When George Nooks did his rendition of Left With a Broken Heart and U-Roy did Wear You to The Ball, the congregation momentarily forgot that they were in a church. It was clear that they felt, that their expressions of appreciation were a fitting way to pay their final respect to this great singer. It was not 1,000 volts that was felt but the audience did come close to it.

There were several tributes given by his family members, Opposition Minister Olivia "Babsy" Grange among others. Paul Blake, original member of the Blood Fire Posse, Junior Tucker and Rev. Father Collin Henriques were a part of the officiating ministry. Archpriest Abuna-Wolde Rufuel Hay and Archpriest Abuna-Gabre Wolde Pinnock conducted ministerial duties at the Dovecot Memorial which was John’s final resting place. He was laid to rest in a special area reserved for Jamaica musical icons right next to the late Gregory Isaacs and Alton Ellis. The event lasted almost an entire day and was a most fitting send off of one of Jamaica’s own musical greats.