The Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) Honour Awards, the annual Reggae Month prestigious curtain-closer, will this year see 27 awards spread across 18 categories. ‘Extraordinary’ and ‘exceptional’ are words that pop up frequently on the list, as many of the awardees are being honoured for either their extraordinary impact on or their exceptional contribution to, the music industry.
With Reggae Month taking a virtual route this year, the Sunday, February 28 ceremony, usually a lavish, red-carpet affair, also goes online. Heading the list of awardees is Owen Gray, who is receiving this year's Lifetime Achievement Award. Owen was among the first handful of Jamaican artistes to capture international attention when he migrated to England in 1962. Owen had many releases on The Blue Beat Label in those early days and over the years, most recently last year on The Blue Beat Label 60 Year Celebration Album which featured Owen's classic track "Call Me My Pet". At the time Owen said, "It is great to see this celebration album being released". "Call Me My Pet" was originally released on The Blue Beat Label in 1963.
All at The Blue Beat Label are thrilled that Owen is finally receiving this richly deserved lifetime achievement award and recognition. To coincide with Owen receiving this Lifetime Achievement Award The Blue Beat Label is releasing Owen Gray "The Lifetime Achievement EP". Full details, a further look at Owens career and releases on The Blue Beat Label and "The Lifetime Achievement EP" tracklisting will be announced after the awards ceremony has taken place.
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