DOBBY DOBSON: Press

Dobby Dobson, Freddie McGregor and The Clarendonians were the three starring acts at "Starz 'R' Us", held at the Mas Camp, Sunday night. The now popular event saw a full Mas Camp with Gumption Band providing backup for the night.

After The Jamaicans' Ba Ba Boom opened the show, Dobbie Dobson, his voice showing very little change despite the years, had oldies lovers hanging on to his every note. Rekindling memories during his short stint with classics such as Loving Pauper, Seems to Me and Sweet Dreams and an accapella gospel chorus, he had them begging for more.

When he returned to do Muriel, the crowd was thoroughly prepared for a night of reminiscing with old hits.

Dobby sings songs of love on new CD


Friday, January 28, 2005



DOBSON...singing some of his great tracks from the past on his newly released, Lovers' Prayer CD.
Dobby Dobson is now a born again Christian. In fact, he has already released two gospel CDs and is currently working on a third. But, he says he reserves the right to sing those secular songs which have made him a favourite of sentimental music lovers over the years.

"My concept of Christianity is a change of lifestyle, yes, but when I accepted Christ and said I was going to give up the bad things in my life, I meant the womanising, the drinking, the drug use, the bad things. I never considered singing a love song a negative thing," he explained.

So it comes as no real surprise that the veteran reggae crooner is back on the record shelves singing some of his great tracks from the past on his newly released, Lovers' Prayer CD.

The new album comes courtesy of Danny Breakenridge's South Florida-based Upstairs Music and Lyrics Institute, and includes tracks like Jerry Wexler's Warm Your Heart, Willie Nelson's Funny How Time Slips Away, Sam Cooke's Midnight Blues, Smokey Robinson's Love I Can Feel, Ben E King's Don't Play That Song, and the Wallace Brothers' Lovers' Prayer, the title track.

Interestingly, it also has an input of domestic songwriters including Keith "Bob Andy" Anderson, John Holt, Dobson and Breakenridge and a very patriotic song, Greetings From Jamaica (Breakenridge / Dobson /Hall), a product of Breakenridge's Lyrics Institute.

A fine group of musicians were involved in the project, including saxophonist Tony Greene, guitarist Dwight Pinkney, bassist Keith Francis, pianist Mallory Williams and trombonist Calvin "Bubbles" Cameron.

"God is love," says Dobson, "but there is nothing wrong with love between a man and a woman, a boy for a girl, as the case may be. It's all a matter of how it is done. I always sing about clean love, man for woman, husband for wife."

"I have been to Christian weddings and I hear songs like Endless Love and similar songs being played. Love is a part of life so, therefore, I beg to differ with all those who may ask, 'how come you still singing love songs?' it's my job, you know. It's what pays my mortgage; it's what puts food on my table. That's what I do; I don't do anything that's illegal." However, he admits that he is more focused on recording gospel songs now.

"I am dedicating my focus to singing songs about Jesus Christ, because I am a born again Christian and I must extol my love for Christ in everything I do," he pointed out. Dobson says that Lovers' Prayer was recorded prior to his first gospel CD, Those Days Are Gone.

He has recorded a second one since, Tomorrow.

Dobson's biggest and most memorable hit was the ballad That Wonderful Sound, a cover which was produced by Rupie Edwards, his former Virtues Band colleague. Other major hits included Loving Pauper and Seems to Me I'm Losing.

Dobson recalls that his earliest hit, as a member of the duo, Chuck and Dobby, was Sweeter Than Honey, which was produced by Edward Seaga on his WIRL label.

Dobson, a graduate of Kingston College and CAST held a number of managerial positions in local industry before settling in the United States where is now settled in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

High drama in Montego Bay
published: Monday | November 27, 2006

Heather Henry, Gleaner Writer


Eyes closed, this female patron rocks to the tune of Dobby Dobson's 'Loving Pauper' during The Manhattans in concert at Club Inferno, Montego Bay, last Friday. - Photo by Claudine Housen/Staff Photographer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Scores of patrons, some of them from as far as St. Elizabeth, braved the inclement weather to watch soul legends, The Manhattans, perform at the Club Inferno, in Rose Hall, Montego Bay, last Friday night.

Decked out in suits, sequins, stiletto heels and armed with sweaters and umbrellas, the patrons got a rude awakening when the show that was slated to commence at 9: 00 p.m. began two hours and five minutes late, prompting a barrage of insults at the show's MC, Delroy Sterling.

One woman, after throwing a string of expletives at Sterling, was told, "Miss you are too pretty to be cursing."

While a male patron gave out: "A wah kinda dolly house ting dis!"

The largely-mature crowd, however, managed to muster some patience and soon the buzz of chatter could be heard interspersed with periodic bouts of laughter. One couple even went as far as to catch a 'cat nap' while waiting for the show to begin.

The show opened at about 11: 05 p.m. with Jimmy Reid. He was followed by Lieutenant Brooksie whose vibrant presentation of I See Love In Your Eyes mustered some crowd support.

However, it was not until veteran singer Dobby Dobson took the stage, that the show really began as Dobson with his cool style delighted the ladies with songs Loving Pauper,Sweet Dreams, Seems to me I'm losing, Love you too much and Muriel.

The tempo was kicked up a notch when One Third hit the stage with songs Homely Girl, Africa and Beres Hammond's Step Aside Now. Rising star runner-up Nickeisha Barnes received a fair response with her performance of Tanya Stephens' These Streets.

She was followed by 'the grand lady', Dorothy Moore, whose I Believe You and Misty Blue had the audience rocking. Then came George with Left with a Broken Heart.

At about 2: 30 a.m., it was time for the main act and the crowd was ready and rearing to go when the impeccably-dressed quartet took the stage, all grouses with organisers, Princess Promotions, went through the window.

Dressed in blue suits with lavender vests, The Manhattans, who performed for an hour, had the audience eating out of their hands from the first bar of the first song. Songs such as Shining Star, We never danced to A Love Song and the 1976 hit Kiss and Say Goodbye had the crowd singing along, with the odd female scream here and there. All in all, The Manhattans in concert in Montego Bay was full of laughs, high drama and great entertainment.

DOBBY ROCKS PATTERSON, NEW JERSEY.....

Patterson, New Jersey was on fire last night with an electrifying performance by the legendary Dobby Dobson. The renowned singer/songwriter was the featured surprise guest performer at The Caribbean Empowerment Organization's annual banquet. Mr. Dobson delighted his audience young and old with a musical review of his vintage tunes and more recent gospel songs. He illuminated the ballroom with high energy singing and had the crowd dancing in a musical frenzy as he was rocking out the tunes they all love to hear.

The audience was at first, pleasantly surprised with a heartfelt ,soulful delivery from Mr. Dobson's three Gospel albums; namely, 'Those Days are gone', 'Tomorrow', and 'He Knows My Heart'. Fans were truly touched and inspired to hear Mr. Dobson's testimonies of his journey to become saved as he urged them to "seek Jesus because tomorrow may be too late". This was appropriately reinforced with the compelling song titled 'Tomorrow'. As the audience listened in awe, some were moved to tears. Though the gospel selections were performed during dinner, hardly anyone was eating; instead they digested spiritual food from selections such as "Tomorrow" "Take time for Jesus", "Thank you Lord", and "I must have the Savior with me" to name a few.

Shortly after dinner Mr. Dobson continued to excite the audience with some of his traditional classics that made him famous; "Muriel, "Butterfly", Sweet Dreams" 'Loving Pauper" and what he affectionately calls Guyana's second national anthem, "Walk away from love". Patterson's residents enjoyed a rare treat as they danced to the familiar songs they grew up hearing many years ago. One enthusiastic fan commented, "other songs may come and go, but these classics can never be replaced, and no one can sing them like our Dobby". Another stated,"I love Dobby, he's amazing,... he's certainly outdone himself tonight!" Organization member and Master of Ceremonies Tony Snape, added, "although, we've had this banquet every year, this is the most fun we've had,... we would be hard pressed to top this magnificent performance next year".

Jamaicans overseas urged to look for investment opportunities MIAMI - Jamaica's Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Audley Shaw, has urged members of the Diaspora to look for investment opportunities in overseas markets to meet unfilled demands for Jamaican food products. The Finance Minister was the guest speaker at the annual Independence worship service at the Kendall Community Church of God held on Sunday (July 26) in Miami. Minister Shaw said that nationals overseas have a crucial role to play in the island's efforts to recover from the effects of the global recession. "We have a unique opportunity to grasp victory and success out of crisis," he stated. Hon. Audley Shaw Jamaicans, he said, are a resilient people, noting accomplishments in sports, entertainment, academia, corporate leadership and public service. Giving an update on the state of the Jamaican economy, he said that steps were being taken towards revitalization, pointing to plans to return downtown Kingston to a major financial center. He said that like most major cities, Kingston should be allowed to shine as a hub for investment and transaction. In addressing the Government's decision to re-engage the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Minister Shaw said that a submission was now before Cabinet and following an approval process, a serious restructuring of the economy would take place with efforts to reform the public sector and practice good governance. In the meantime, he lauded the strong display of talent through the performances at the function. In addition to a performance from veteran reggae singer Dobby Dobson, the evening's entertainment package featured song and dance presentations from the church's children's choir, youth dance group, soloists, as well as the joint choir of Kendall Church and the Jamaica Nurses Association of Florida (JNAF). An offering was collected, proceeds of which will benefit two Jamaican organisations - the Buff Bay High School in Portland and Tgwein House for Disabled Children. In his message titled: 'Doing Good Together', Senior Pastor at the Kendall Church, Dr. Michael Curry, challenged Jamaicans to become more united as they remain connected to their strong sense of faith and godliness in an effort to make strides for economic recovery and nation-building. Jamaican Consul General in Miami, Sandra Grant-Griffiths commended the Kendall congregation for organizing the event to observe the nation's anniversary of Independence and encouraged nationals to share in the celebrations. Earlier in the day, Jamaicans in the Catholic mission in South Florida also marked the nation's Independence anniversary with a service of celebration and fellowship at Our Lady of the Lourdes Church in Miami. Proceeds from the service will go towards the Missionaries of the Poor.

South Florida's Dobby Dobson Brings the House Down at the Macedonia Community Center, Friday March 5th, 2010

New York: It was standing room only on Friday night at the Macedonia Community Center in Mt. Vernon, New York as Linkage Productions, a division the new startup radio station Linkage Radio paid tribute to dozens of mostly unsung heroes in the entertainment business that included artists, radio jocks, promoters, radio stations and comedians.

Reggae artists and entertainers Macka Diamond, Ed Robinson, Dobby Dobson, Little Hero, MC Nuffy, Noddy Virtue, Twin of Twins, Mikey ‘Mac Daddy’ Jarrett, Ras Cappo and Ky-enie joined the hundreds of fans who poured into the packed venue to show support for the scores of entertainment insiders who received awards for their contributions to the industry.

“Year after year, there are so many people behind the microphones and behind the scenes who work assiduously to bring life to reggae entertainment, and those people are never acknowledged nor thanked, so I decided to do something about it”, Linkage, the executive producer of the awards told the audience during the ceremony and concert.

Judge Helen Blackwood of the White Plains Judicial District who is of Jamaican parentage saluted the valuable role that Linkage Radio has played in a short time to bring cohesiveness and a sense of purpose to the Westchester community.

MC Fireball who describes himself as a Christian did an excellent job of emceeing the awards, and he seasoned his commentary with chunks of irreverent humor, much to the delight of screaming fans. The event yielded outstanding performances from Noddy Virtue, Ed Robinson, Twin of Twins, Macka Diamond and Ky-enie, but it was the Kingston College old boy and former Gleaner proof reader Dobby Dobson who brought the house down with a jaw-dropping performance that had many patrons standing in their seats to dance to the barrage of classic hit songs that Dobson unleashed.  Dobson proved why he is a reggae icon who has spanned five decades with classics like That Wonderful Sound, Sweet Dreams, Muriel and Loving Pauper.

"The event was a totally delightful entertainment package, fast moving and loaded with comedy,  and it clearly now cements Linkage Radio as a major and relevant force in New York tri-state radio", commented Jamaican fashion designer Downtown Pat Brown, who attended the awards from nearby New Jersey. 

Highlights of the Linkage Productions Awards along with selected interviews will be broadcast on The 151 Reggae Show on Axiomonline.tv on Friday March 19 at 9 PM.



Reggae stars Third World, Freddie McGregor, Tanya Stephens, Tanto Metro & Devonte and Dobby Dobson will hit the stage of the One Love Reggae Festival, an all-day outdoor event slated for the Cruzan Amphitheater at the South Florida Fairground in West Palm Beach.

For good measure, artistes like Glen Washington, Twiggi, Krissy, King Hopeton, Kisco Amari and Mad Mice will also be bringing life to what promises to be an exciting showcase of artistes representing the Caribbean, Europe, and America.

The main aim of the festival, apart from ensuring that patrons enjoy the show, is to bring Palm Beach's diverse cultures together through One Love, One Heart and One Music. “We anticipate a huge turnout of Caribbean culture, music and art lovers from the Caribbean, American communities throughout Palm Beach and surrounding areas. We are dedicated to ensure that our patrons enjoy one of the best reggae shows to hit South Florida,” festival officials said.

They also promise to entertain their youngest guests with activities such as bounce houses, slides, face painting and many more activities

A portion of the proceeds from the festival will go toward Haiti relief efforts and organizers are asking attendees to bring can goods and other nonperishable items.

IF YOU GO

What: One Love Reggae Festival

Where: Cruzan Amphitheater South Florida Fairgrounds, 601-7 Sansbury's Way, West Palm Beach Fl, 33411.

When: May 9, 2010 - 12 noon - 10 pm