On November 3, 2024, Tony Gregory, a singer, songwriter, and composer, will play at the much-awaited Marcia Griffiths & Friends performance at Hope Gardens in Kingston.
Gregory began working in the music business at the age of ten, and after over 70 years, he speaks with wisdom and profound understanding about his experience.
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The integrity and maintenance of Griffiths’ professional ties throughout the years are what give the Marcia Griffiths & Friends show its relevance and grandeur.
He revealed that one of Griffiths’s first hits was a 1964 collaborative single, “You’re Mine/Oh Baby,” which they will play during the next performance.
Gregory stated, “The new generation listens to the music completely differently, and that is why I take my hat off to Marcia. Her music has expanded all over these years and it’s melodic and it’s interesting to find that the new generation is also getting into her music.”
The performer expressed his excitement at being a part of Marcia Griffiths’ 60th anniversary event, stating that she is from the school of artists who are not preoccupied with accolades.
“In our time, money wasn’t the front thing, where I’ve found that to be the case now. We performed because we loved what we were doing. Sometimes we didn’t even get paid but we loved what we were doing,” he noted.
Griffiths’ remarkable career is praised by Gregory. Gregory pointed out, “She has actually done it all. It’s very difficult for females in this business; it was a man-oriented business. There aren’t too many females that came through this. She is looked upon and respected all around the world for what she believes in and what she portrays, that’s so important.”
The multi-talented musician, who has lived in Europe for a considerable amount of time, claimed that his first hits in Jamaica were “Baby Come On,” “You’re Mine with Marcia,” and “Only a Fool Breaks His Own Heart.” He has since enjoyed success in Europe and said that he now places a high value on living in the parish where he was born.
“I’m trying to enjoy life a little bit. I live on the north coast in St Ann. I come out when I need it. I get offers but I’m not really taking them. I’ve been through a lot and I know it’s good for some people but I just want to enjoy. I’ve seen so many people in the business who are gone and they didn’t enjoy their life. They enjoyed being onstage but that’s it. They’re not around any more. They’ve left a mark on the business, but they didn’t really get a chance to enjoy their life. I intend not to do that; I intend to enjoy life a little bit.”
