- (This page is about the Jamaican group. For the American doo-wop group of the same name, see Paragons(2)).
The Paragons were a Jamaican ska and rocksteady vocal group from Kingston, Jamaica, consisting originally of Bob Andy (Keith Anderson), Garth Evans (aka Tyrone Evans), Junior Menz, and Leroy Stamp. They originally went by the name of The Binders. In 1964 Stamp was replaced by John Holt, and Howard Barrett replaced Menz, and the name was changed to The Paragons. Bob Andy left the group in late 1965, and The Paragons continued as a trio. After John Holt left to pursue a solo career, the group sung with Roslyn Sweet and then Vic Taylor took Holt's place. This new trio recorded 3 albums. The classic line-up of Holt/Barrett/Evans reformed in early 1980's following the success of Blondie's cover of their song "The Tide Is High" but Holt left again after the release of The Paragons recorded with Sly & Robbie.
Links to Peel[]
Peel played The Tide Is High from the Paragons in 1979, when Blondie famously covered the song. He would continue play some of their songs on his shows until his death in 2004.
Shows Played[]
- 14 February 1979: 'The Tide Is High (Single) Treasure Isle Records
- 1980
- 10 November 1980: The Tide Is High (split 7" with U-Roy) Virgin
- 15 November 1980 (BFBS): The Tide Is High (split 7" with U-Roy) Virgin
- 1989
- 03 January 1989: Only A Smile (shared 7" with The Jamaicans - Baba Boom / Only A Smile) Treasure Isle
- 18 January 1989: Only A Smile (shared 7" with The Jamaicans - Baba Boom / Only A Smile) Treasure Isle
- 1994
- 08 April 1994: The Tide Is High (split 7" with U-Roy) Virgin
- 2004
- 14 January 2004: The Tide Is High (split 7" with U-Roy) Virgin