Junior
“Shindig” Sinclair, Singer, Songwriter, Promoter, Emcee, and Entertainer
Extraordinaire, was born in Manchester,
Jamaica. Junior
ranks among Jamaica’s
greatest vocal talents and Emcees. Whether singing Reggae, Jazz, World Beat,
R&B, Pop or Classicals, his vocal style transcends genres, musical eras and
generations.
He
started his musical career in 1968 while attending Holmwood Technical
High School, where he was
in charge of putting on concerts and parties for his fellow students. After
graduation in 1969, he was asked to be lead singer of the Young Generation
Band, which included Keith Francis on bass and Don Drummond Jr., on trombone.
By 1976 he was Emcee and Singer, sharing stages all over the island with the reggae
greats such as Delroy Wilson, Brent Dowe, Mighty Diamonds, Derrick Morgan,
Beres Hammond, U-Roy, George Nooks, Fab 5, Lloyd Parkes and We the People.
In
1978, under the masterful hands of Lee “Scratch” Perry, Junior recorded his two
first singles, “The Beginning of It All” and Memories. He was backed by some of
Jamaica’s
best including Bobby Ellis, Dirty Harry, and Don Drummond Jr., on horns. Around
this time, Junior s began promoting shows at outdoor venues and theatres across
Jamaica.
Participants included the Young Gereration Band, Fab 5, Lloyd Parkes, and We
the People along with Jamaica’s
top artistes.
In
1980, Junior left Jamaica to
embark on a radio and TV broadcasting career at the National Institute of
Broadcasting, Toronto, Canada. His career in broadcasting
spans two of Toronto’s
largest radio stations. He got the opportunity to host his own program, The Shining Show, for 4 years. The show
became one of the most popular programs in the Caribbean community in Toronto. As a
broadcaster, Junior not only interviewed top Caribbean
recording artists, but he also shared the stage with them as MC and singer. He
also performed with Toronto’s
popular dance and show band, The Now
Generation.
Junior
“Shindig” Sinclair lived in Canada
for 10 years before migrating to the United
States to live in Atlanta
Georgia. Here
he was asked to become lead singer of Clement “Coxsone” Dodd original and now
famous Studio One band. The band consisted of Tommy McCook of Skatalites and
Supersonics fame on saxophone, Joe Isaacs the original Studio One drummer, with
Pablove Black, organist. Junior has always had two passions, singing and
hosting. So while touring extensively with the band backing industry great artistes
such as Gregory Isaacs, Ken Boothe, John Holt, Sugar Minott, Alton Ellis,
Stranger Cole, Melodians, Junior was also busy hosting shows. He hosted shows
with Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Sizzla, Luciano, Burning Spear, Byron Lee and
the Dragonaires, Fab 5, Lloyd Parkes and We the People. He also hosted shows
with international acts such as Chuck Jackson, Roy Goodman and Brown, Blue
Magic, Percy Sledge, and the Mighty Sparrow.
Because
of his contributions to music, Junior “Shindig” Sinclair received the Atlanta
Caribbean Most Popular Host Award in 1999. He returned to his native Jamaica in 2001
to continue his passion for music and hosting.
In 2003, the Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes & Affiliates
(JAVAA) was formed and he became Vice President. This organization of over 200 of
Jamaica’s
finest artistes is presided over by Frank Campbell (Fab 5).
Junior "Shindig" Sinclair and Ron Mucatte of Irie FM, will be the hosts for the Reggae World Tour for Diabetes Cure. They are fantastic additions to the excitement of this tour.
