On August 28th, Jamaica and the global music community celebrate the birthday of one of reggae’s most beloved voices, Hugh Beresford Hammond, OJ—better known as Beres Hammond. Born in 1955 in Annotto Bay, St. Mary, Beres Hammond has spent decades serenading the world with his soulful melodies, particularly within the genre of lovers rock. His journey, spanning from the 1970s to today, is a testament to his enduring influence on reggae music and his ability to connect deeply with audiences across generations.
The Early Years: A Star in the Making
Beres Hammond grew up surrounded by music. The ninth of ten children, he was deeply influenced by his father’s collection of American soul and jazz records, featuring legends like Otis Redding and Sam Cooke. These early influences would later intertwine with the sounds of ska and rocksteady, particularly the music of Alton Ellis, to shape Hammond’s unique style.
Hammond’s musical career began in earnest in the early 1970s when he participated in local talent contests. His first recording was a rendition of Alton Ellis’s “Wanderer,” marking the start of what would become a remarkable career. In 1975, he joined the band Zap Pow as the lead singer, contributing to the hit single “The System” in 1978. However, even as he thrived with Zap Pow, Hammond was also nurturing his solo ambitions, releasing his debut album, Soul Reggae, in 1976. Tracks like “One Step Ahead” and “I’m in Love” quickly became hits in Jamaica, establishing Hammond as a solo artist to watch.
Finding His Groove: The Rise of a Reggae Icon
In 1979, Hammond made the bold decision to leave Zap Pow and fully pursue his solo career. He recorded two more albums, Let’s Make a Song (1980) and Red Light (1981), and formed a harmony group called Tuesday’s Children. Although the group toured, they never recorded, and Hammond soon shifted his focus back to his solo work.
A pivotal moment came in 1985 when Hammond founded his own label, Harmony House Records. This move allowed him greater creative freedom and resulted in the release of the album Make a Song. The album included the tracks “Groovy Little Thing” and “What One Dance Can Do,” both of which were influenced by the emerging dancehall style. The latter track, in particular, propelled Hammond to international fame and set the stage for his continued success.
The late 1980s brought both challenges and triumphs for Hammond. After a terrifying home invasion in Jamaica, he relocated to New York City, where he recorded the album Have a Nice Weekend. Despite the traumatic experience, Hammond’s music remained resilient, as evidenced by the powerful duet “How Can We Ease the Pain?” with Maxi Priest.
Returning to His Roots: The Dancehall Era and Beyond
In 1990, Hammond returned to Jamaica, where he signed with Penthouse Records and recorded the iconic dancehall hit “Tempted to Touch.” This track, which became one of his best-known songs in the United States and the United Kingdom, solidified Hammond’s place as a leading figure in reggae music.
The 1990s saw Hammond release several more albums and compilations, establishing himself as one of the top artists in the lovers rock genre. His 2001 album Music Is Life featured collaborations with Wyclef Jean, Earl “Chinna” Smith, and Flourgon, further showcasing his versatility and ability to adapt to the changing landscape of reggae music. In 2004, Hammond released Love Has No Boundaries, which included guest spots from Buju Banton and Big Youth.
A Legacy of Love and Recognition
Beres Hammond’s contributions to reggae music have not gone unnoticed. In 2007, he was invited to perform at the Opening Ceremony of the Cricket World Cup in Jamaica, a testament to his status as a cultural icon. The following year, he released A Moment in Time on VP Records, continuing his streak of successful albums.
In 2013, Hammond was awarded the Order of Jamaica by the Jamaican government, recognizing his “exceptional and dedicated contribution to the Jamaican music industry.” This honor was well-deserved, as Hammond’s music has not only entertained but also touched the hearts of millions around the world.
Hammond’s 2012 album One Love, One Life topped the Billboard Reggae Albums chart and earned a Grammy nomination, marking another milestone in his illustrious career. His most recent album, Never Ending, released in 2018, also topped the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart, proving that his music continues to resonate with audiences.
Celebrating a Living Legend
As Beres Hammond celebrates another year of life, we reflect on a career that has spanned over four decades and continues to inspire. His voice, a perfect blend of smoothness and emotion, has become synonymous with lovers rock and reggae music. From the early days of “One Step Ahead” to the timeless “Tempted to Touch,” Hammond’s songs have become the soundtrack to countless love stories and personal reflections.
His legacy is not just in the music he has created but in the lives he has touched. Whether through his romantic ballads, his powerful anthems, or his ability to convey deep emotion through song, Beres Hammond remains a true ambassador of reggae music. His influence continues to shape the genre, and his contributions will undoubtedly be celebrated for generations to come.
Happy Birthday, Beres Hammond—your music, your spirit, and your legacy are indeed never-ending.