Though it was not a monster seller in the United States, Eddie Kendricks’ 1978 album,  “Vintage 78” was hugely popular in Jamaica, thanks to songs like “How’s Your Love Life”, “The Best of Strangers Now” and “One of The Poorest People”. 

Ed Robinson puts a reggae flavor to the latter which will be released on November 15, his father’s birthday. He co-produced the song with Joanna Marie. 

According to Robinson, “I always loved this song because it was the first song I learned to play on the guitar.” 

The Spanish Town-born singer, best known for his version of Bob Dylan’s “Knocking on Heaven’s Door’, has built his reputation with mainly ballads in a career spanning over 30 years. 

With hardcore dancehall deejays dominating the music scene in Jamaica, he believes contemporary reggae could do with more ballads. Those were the type of songs he grew up listening to. 

“Knocking on Heaven’s Door” is from “Once Again”, Robinson’s first album which was released in 1992 by VP Records. His latest album, “On Covers II”, came out this year. 

Kendricks, a former lead singer of The Temptations, had a solid following in Jamaica when he was that legendary group. But his stocks soared even more when “Vintage 78” was released 42 years ago. 

“One of The Poorest People” was a mega hit through power-play on local radio stations like JBC and RJR. Junior Tucker also successfully covered the song.

Written By Howard Campbell