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Biography
Hammond was born on 28 August 1955 in Annotto Bay, saint Mary, Jamaica, the 9th of 10 children. His early musical influences were guided by his father who introduced him to soul and jazz artists like Sam Cooke and Otis Redding. Hammond later found ska and rocksteady music and cites influences like Alton Ellis, Peter Tosh, Curtis Mayfield, and the Uniques.
By 1972 he was ready to start his own music career. He spent the majority of his upstart competing in local talent competitions, which proved to pay off. In 1975 he was invited as Zap Pow’s lead singer, a group perhaps best known for their 1978 hit single “The System” which was issued through Aquarius Records. Hammond also pursued a solo project in parallel with his stint with Zap Pow and in 1976 he put out his 1st studio album “Soul Reggae”. This release came out through Water Lily and spawned the Jamaican hit “One Step Ahead”. Another hit single “I’m in Love” followed in 1978 and by 1979 he left Zap Pow to focus exclusively on his solo career. However he did diverge from his solo path to form a brief lived performance act known as Tuesday’s Children.
In 1985 Hammond founded a record label of his own called Harmony Records. Through this label he released the album “Make a Song”, which saw his sound embrace the budding dancehall style. This album featured the two hit singles “Groovy Little Thing” and “What One Dance Can Do”, both which peaked to the No.1 spot on the Jamaican Singles chart. These tracks were not only regionally lucrative, but also segued Hammond into international playing grounds.
This international success along with the fact that his house in Jamaica was burglarized prompted him to move to New York City. While in the States he recorded and released the album “Have A Nice Weekend”, which came out in 1988 through Charm records. A year later he released “Putting Up Resistance” through Tappa Records. It would be another three years until his follow up album “A Love Affair” saw release; however, this decade is often considered the highlight of his career. Hammond started off the decade with his biggest hit yet “Tempting to Touch” and proceeded them with two contending successors “Is This a Sign” and “Respect You Baby”. He poured out a string of album releases through the rest of the 90s: “Full Attention” (1993), “Sweetness (1993), “In Control” (1994), “Expression” (1995), “Love From a Distance” (1997), and “A Day in the Life” (1998).
Hammond’s impression on the reggae market refused to wane in the 2000s. His 14th studio album “Music Is Life”, included the three hit singles “They Gonna Talk”, “Rockaway”, and “Ain’t It Good To Know” and also featured the acclaimed pop star Wyclef Jean. His collaborative spree leaked over to his 2004 album, “Love Has No Boundaries”, which featured appearances by Buju Banton and Big Youth. Though Hammond continued to release solid album’s throughout the 2000s such as “Lifetime Guarantee”, “A Moment in Time” and “Just a Man” it was his release of “One Love, One Life”, which certified him as a legend of reggae lovers rock. This album shot to the very top of the Billboard Reggae Album charts and earned him a Grammy nomination in 2014.
Live reviews
Took my wife to see her favorite reggae performer Mr Beres Hammond. He had a seven piece band and three piece backup singers. The band was electrifying and enjoyed their truly wonderful musicianship and artistry. Backupsingers complimented Mr Hammond wonderfully and were spot on with their delivery. Mr Beres Hammond stole the show with his amazing performance that was vocally impressive. My wife and I danced , sang and got lost in the reggae music. My wife is from Kingston, Jamaica and I am from the states and she was satisfied and overjoyed beyond words. I bought general admission seats that were standing room only and we danced during Mr Hammonds entire set which flew by over 90 minutes of sheer bliss. I would definitely see him again in concert in a heart beat. If you have never been to a reggae show then this is one that you must see . Utter brilliance in Mr Hammond’s delivery, infectious spirit and relentless pursuit of caputting the hearts and minds of all of his concert goers. I wish that the concert never ended because I could have dance all night! I hope Mr Hammond returns to Charlotte , North Carolina because I will be there in a heart beat!
One Love
DrP
Concert July 15, 2018
williampearsonmd
I had the opportunity to see Beres Hammond live at a small concert hall in the town that I live. I had a passing knowledge of his music and fan base, but decided to give him a try and see how I liked it. I did not walk away disappointed, he put on a complete and exciting show.
He played for about an hour and half and put on an amazing show. I can’t speak on his song selections because I don’t know the popularity of his songs, but everything he played, I liked. I do know that he played How Can We Ease the Pain, the only song I had any working knowledge of before the show. The crowd was very in to it as well. They did not drop their enthusiasm or let the vibe die until the end of the concert. Everyone was dancing around and singing along. I was an amazing environment to be in. One I won’t forget, that’s how much fun I had.
The stage wasn’t decorated; it was just Beres and his backing band with a few lights that went off every so often. It was mainly just a spotlight pointed on him throughout the show. I would definitely go see him live again.
We are so bless to have Beres Hammond still giving us good music. His songs transcends generations. Recently, Beres came to Pensacola, Florida which was a dream come true for me. His performance was excellent. Rock away, Putting up a resistance, Love Means Never to say you're sorry, No disturbance, and many more were highlights for me that night. At one point, tears rolled down my face because the music took me to a place of reflection. I really do feel good dancing to a reggae song. Beres songs promote love and harmony. I love and appreciate Beres Hammond the man and artist; that is why I will continue to buy his music and attend the concerts. Thank you Beres!
dxsamue
If you know who Beres Hammond is then you need no introduction to his amazing vocals and lyrics. Lovers enjoyed the most - but as a single woman I enjoyed it too. It felt romantic. For his age he gave such a performance and oh his dancers... wow. And can i talk about his band? Talent talent talent. Leon former model and Cynthia Baileys hubby also performed, I hear he is on Beres tour. Just great - can't complain. Must see again.
maureen-ochieng
I love Berris Hammond music so much.
The concert was amazing.
It will be memorable experience that last forever.
I love how he remembered Buju banton, and other that have passes away.
The venue was a good location.
I wish I could have taken a picture with him.
I had an amazing time.
crystal-maturah
Awesome concert Beres! Just wish it was longer. The preshow DJ was on point. The venue was perfect, just the right size to feel intimate and yet large enough to fee like a concert hall. Beres still have it. Pray they will bring more reggae and soca and African worldbeat artist.
ngiscombe
great dedicated artist, gives his all, my wife had seen him before, and she was correct...reminds me of younger frankie beverly, both appear to love their craft and have a tireless love of music. hoping to see his 2018 tour schedule for either USA or Jamaica
don-hairston
Love Love Beres number 1 in my book, always always a joy seeing him in concert .don’t think I have every missed one of his shows when he’s in Baltimore Maryland. As a matter of fact going to see him in a couple of week,One Love.
ragga235
AMAZING!! Mr. Hammond did a phenomenal job and so did the promoters!! The concert was packed! The music was wonderful and the concert started on time! Ten high fives... I had a ball! Mr. Hammond still got the juice!
joylashay
