One of soul music’s original power ballads, “To be Loved” by Jackie Wilson has been a fixture on Jamaican radio for decades. Among the people it has thrilled is singer/keyboardist Chris McDonald.
He recently covered the 1958 classic, putting a lovers rock reggae feel to it. McDonald also co-produced the song with veteran singer/producer Leroy Sibbles.
“I realized no one has ever recorded it; many people love to hear lovers rock and it appeals to me especially,” he said. McDonald added that he wanted to record “To be Loved” with Sibbles, best known for his work with The Heptones.
Sibbles, however, insisted he sang solo.
“He said, “No no! You sing it, mi waan yuh bus’ a chune!” McDonald recalled.
A self-taught vocalist and keyboardist, McDonald has been recording since 1989. He has also paid his dues as a musician, working in the Skool Bands that has backed a diverse cast of artists including Sibbles, Carlene Davis and Mutabaruka.
Influenced by Dennis Brown, Stevie Wonder and Luther Vandross, he kicked off his recording career with a cover of Wonder’s “You Will Know”.
McDonald was also inspired by Wilson, whose songs including “To be Loved”, he grew up listening to on Jamaican radio. Dubbed “Mr. Excitement” by his peers, Wilson died in 1984 at age 49.
Written By Howard Campbell