8 hours ago
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For reggae singer Joseph Velvet, perseverance has never been just the
title of an album — it has been the defining theme of his life.
Now, the veteran vocalist is hoping that Evermore, a newly reimagined version of a
song from his Perseverance album, will introduce his music to a new generation of
listeners while reminding longtime fans of the talent that first captivated reggae
audiences decades ago. Originally recorded with strong R&B influences, Evermore
has been reborn as a full-fledged reggae production and is being re-released through
Jones Production with worldwide distribution by CD Baby.
The idea for the remake came from an unlikely source: his 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,” said
Joseph Velvet.
The new recording benefits from the contributions of some of Jamaica’s most
respected musicians. For Joseph Velvet, however, the release represents more than a
new single. It is another chapter in a career marked by resilience, setbacks and an
unwavering belief in music.
Despite decades in the industry, the singer admitted that he has not always received
the recognition he believes his work deserves. Yet rather than dwelling on missed
opportunities, he continues to focus on his craft and the message he hopes to share
through his music.
“Go for what you want and believe in yourself,” he said. “Just believe and persevere.”
His philosophy was forged through personal adversity. A native of Cockburn Pen in
St Andrew, Joseph Velvet burst onto the Jamaican music scene during the late 1980s
with Wildflower, a silky-smooth cover version that became a breakout hit. The
song opened doors that allowed him to perform alongside some of reggae’s most
celebrated names, including Dennis Brown and Freddie McGregor. Like many
Jamaican artistes, he later migrated to the US in pursuit of broader opportunities,
performing extensively across clubs and venues while continuing to release new
material. Although subsequent singles earned attention, none matched the
commercial impact of Wildflower.
Then came a devastating setback. Just as the singer was regaining momentum in
2003 with recordings such as Arms Around Me and Love Face, a series of motor
vehicle accidents left him with severe spinal injuries. Years of rehabilitation followed,
accompanied by depression and uncertainty about whether he would ever perform
again. The songs he had recorded during that period were never released.
“There were times when I didn’t know if I would ever sing again,” he said.
The turning point came through the encouragement of his son. Inspired to return to
the studio, Joseph Velvet began recording once more and eventually released his
debut album, Perseverance — a title that perfectly captured the struggles and
triumphs that had defined his journey. The project reaffirmed his commitment to
music and demonstrated a determination that refused to be broken by circumstance.
English (US) ·