After more than 50 explosive years in music, Eric Donaldson stated that he is not ready to quit the business.
Donaldson was born on 11th June, 1947 in Bog Walk, Jamaica. He was raised in Kent Village, St Catherine.
Donaldson attended Crescent Primary School before he took up music as a full-time career. He describes himself as a “Jack of all trades” and says that he is only a master of music. Although he enjoys painting, cooking, and sewing, his intense love for music kept him motivated to record songs for the enjoyment of his Jamaican fan base.
Donaldson has unarguably attained the reputation of being one of the most talented song writers and vocalists of his time.
He has released record-breaking songs to the delight of his teeming reggae fans all over the globe: Land of my Birth, Miserable Woman, Cherry Oh Baby, Lion Sleeps Tonight, Blue Boots, and recently, I am in Love.
The Jamaican reggae icon was given national recognition for his contribution to Jamaican music and was appointed to the Order of Distinction, in the rank of officer, on National Heroes Day.
In expressing gratitude for the national award, Donaldson said he hopes that others would be inspired to preserve and protect the genre of music.
“Reggae will always remain the same great music. Over the years, we have seen people try to change it, but original singers like me are trying to keep it alive. We have to keep the standard high. Some people are putting lyrics to a beat and calling it other names, but it is still the same reggae music that we’ve come to know and love,” said Donaldson, who has been in the business since 1964.
He asserted that people around the world will always love the genre as it is one of the few art forms that connect with audiences spiritually, mentally, and even physically.
The seven-time Jamaica Festival Song Competition winner was also recently recognised by Red Stripe with a Stand Up for Our Heroes Award. For Donaldson, the award is extra special and a timely reminder of the deep love and appreciation for his craft.
“I won a silver cup from D&G in 1971, and it brings me joy to know that they remember me after all those years to do something like this for me. I think I deserve this award, and I am truly grateful to be recognised by Red Stripe for my music. It makes me feel like someone sees me in the country and appreciates me for what I’ve done,” shared Donaldson.
I have done many trades – from mechanic to plumbing – but I am most dedicated to making music that will make a positive change to our society,” said Donaldson.
He is unarguably considered a veteran of the industry and he is encouraging young singers to keep a record of their music to last for a lifetime. He believes that the songs being recorded by some upcoming artistes will not stand the test of time and is, therefore, urging young creatives to pursue conscious music like Bob Marley.
Sweet Jamaica and Land of my Birth, festival winners, were written by Winston Wallace. In an online poll conducted in 2013 by the Jamaican Cultural Development Commission, “Land of my Birth” was voted the most popular winner in the contest’s history.
Donaldson currently lives in Kent Village, Jamaica.
