Beres Hammond, the legendary Godfather of Lover’s Rock from Jamaica, has recently unveiled his latest single, “Let Me Help You,” extending a comforting hand to a woman navigating life’s trials. This heartfelt song, a reimagined version of his 1988 classic, showcases Beres’s velvety vocals, characteristic of Lover’s Rock, as he croons, “Let me help you smile again.”
To celebrate the release, Spotify’s new music Friday spotlighted Beres’s single with billboard placements in two iconic locations: Toronto’s vibrant Yonge-Dundas Square and New York’s bustling Times Square, a move that Beres Hammond excitedly shared on his Instagram.
In addition to his new single, Beres is gearing up for his ‘Forever Giving Thanks’ tour across the USA and Canada in July and August 2024. The tour promises performances of timeless hits alongside a few new tracks. Scheduled stops include the 27th Edition of the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival in Boonville, California, on June 21st-23rd, 2024, and a headlining slot at Reggae Sumfest on July 20th, 2024, with more dates yet to be announced.
Born Hugh Beresford Hammond on August 28, 1955, in Annotto Bay, Saint Mary, Jamaica, Beres grew up amidst the soulful sounds of his father’s American jazz and soul music collection, which included the likes of Sam Cooke and Otis Redding. Influenced further by Jamaica’s native ska and rocksteady, particularly by artists like Alton Ellis, Beres embarked on his musical journey.
Beres’s career began to blossom in the 1970s, marked by his participation in local talent contests and his first recording of Ellis’ “Wanderer.” In 1975, he joined the band Zap Pow as lead singer, leading to the hit single “The System” in 1978 under the Aquarius Records label. However, Beres simultaneously pursued a solo career, releasing his debut album, “Soul Reggae,” in 1976. His solo ballads, including “One Step Ahead” and the Joe Gibbs-produced “I'm in Love,” became hits in Jamaica, laying the foundation for his solo success.
Establishing his record label, Harmony House Records, in 1985, Beres released his album “Make a Song,” featuring chart-toppers like “Groovy Little Thing” and “What One Dance Can Do,” which began to break him into the international market. Despite facing challenges, including a home invasion in 1987 that led him to relocate to New York City temporarily, Beres’s career continued to flourish. Hits like “Tempted to Touch” and “Is This a Sign” further solidified his reputation as one of the top lovers rock artists.
In 2013, Beres Hammond was awarded the Order of Jamaica by the Jamaican government for his exceptional contribution to the music industry. His album “One Love, One Life” was nominated for a Grammy Award in January 2014, adding another accolade to his illustrious career. Beres’s most recent album, “Never Ending,” released in October 2018, topped the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart, further showcasing his enduring influence and popularity.
Earlier this May, Beres captained the annual Love and Harmony Cruise, where he announced the release of “Let Me Help You” on May 3rd across all digital service platforms. Beres Hammond continues to enchant audiences worldwide with his soulful melodies, cementing his status as a legendary figure in the realm of Lover’s Rock.