Entertainers share their Father’s Day playlists

Most persons will agree that an essential ingredient in the Father’s Day fare is great music. Fathers are heroes, defenders, teachers, and so much more, and today is the time to pause and celebrate the great ones among us and those who have gone before. In our quest to get playlists from those who are musically inclined, we stumbled upon a few tear-jerking moments. For example, sitting at the top of classical singer Rory Frankson’s playlist is Moon River. Why? “It’s the last song I sang to my dad [Colin] three years ago, just before he passed. So it’s a very special song for me. His passing was on June 28, 2017, so he’s really present in our thoughts at this time,” he shared with The Sunday Gleaner. Frankson, despite feeling like crying, added, “I smile whenever I think of him. Great memories.”

Frankson, incidentally, will be one of the performers on this evening’s online concert, Enchanted Evening of Music, which is dedicated to fathers. Showtime is 5:30 p.m. on YouTube at @BunnyRose and on the various Facebook platforms of the performers, which include Karen Smith, Dr Kathy Brown, Saxgurl Barbara Witter from the JDF Military Band, Michael-David, Sashekia Brown, Bunny Rose and Francois Medley.

Noah Powa, an entertainer who is known for his comedic presentations, but who also has carved out a music career, will be enjoying the day with his kids and listening to a mix of songs from artistes such as Konshens, Luther Vandross, and even his own songs. For Father’s Day, he is “gonna spend time with my kids and have an in-house dinner with them, since we are still social distancing”.

Singer, Maxi Priest, the father of “eight beautiful children, two daughters and six sons” gave his top seven quite easily. A loving father, he took on a man’s role at 14 upon the death of his father. “the position I’m in today, me woulda love dance with my father,” he shared with The Gleaner. Maxi can talk about his kids all day long.

Dancehall artiste Mr Vegas, who didn’t immediately have a picture with him and all his kids, didn’t want to risk the wrath of any, so he opted not to share them on this occasion. His top five ranged from Anita Baker, to Michael Jackson, to Shabba Ranks. One can hear him singing Shabba’s ode to dads, “Best baby father in Jamaica...”

Vocalist, jazz instrumentalist, bassist, songwriter and producer, Benjy Myaz, remembers his late father the Reverend Egbert Myers, as “immaculately militant”. That could perhaps be one reason why his list of top five songs for Father’s Day kicks off with the deeply soulful and spiritual For Thou Art With Me, albeit from a secular group, The Whispers. Myaz draws from a diverse list of soulful and intriguing performers, including neo soul singer, Eric Benét; soul singer, Lalah Hathaway, the daughter of the legendary Donny Hathaway; the singer who is hailed for his acrobatic versatility and inventiveness, Al Jareau; soul jazz guitarist George Benson, and, of course, reggae icon, Bob Marley.

Check out the playlists below.

Mr Vegas

Best Baby Father – Shabba Ranks

I am Blessed – Mr Vegas

I’m only human – Jeffrey Osborne

Man in the Mirror – Michael Jackson

I Apologise – Anita Baker

Rory Frankson

Moon River – Audrey Hepburn

You Are The One – Rory Frankson

You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban

Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle

Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler

Maxi Priest

My Father’s Eyes – Eric Clapton

It’s A Man’s World – Maxi Priest Feat. Beres Hammond

Dance With My Father – Luther Vandross

Father’s Love – K’ Reenie Feat. Yellowman

I wish – Stevie Wonder

Created By The Father – Dennis Brown

War – Bob Marley

Noah Powa

Life Saviour – Bugle, Norman Alexander and Noah Powa

Dance with my Father – Luther Vandross

Give thanks – Noah Powa

Original Daddy – Konshens

Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder

Benjy Myaz

Thou Art With Me – The Whispers

I will be there for You – Eric Benét

Rastaman Vibration (Live) – Bob Marley

Then and Now – Lalah Hathaway

Long Come Tutu – George Benson & Al Jarreau