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Born in London of Jamaican parentage, Junior first began singing in a local band
at the age of 14, encouraged by the sounds of doo-wop, early Motown , soul and
reggae. As the years passed, however, the 'hobby' became a full-time musical
career, and Junior realised that his talents lay in writing and performing his
own music. Initially signing to Phonogram Records, 1982 saw Junior hit the chart
heights with the infectious anthem 'Mama Used To Say' which became a Top 10
transatlantic hit, prompting Junior's appearance as the first black British
artist on Soul Train and gaining him Billboard's 'Best Newcomer Award'. Junior's
second album spawned the US hit 'Communication Breakdown' and whilst travelling
throughout the US for promotion Junior teamed up with renowned producer Arif
Mardin, who later contributed to Junior's third album which yeilded the R &
B charting singles 'Somebody', 'Oh Louise' and 'Not Tonight'. That same year
Junior wrote 'Do You Really Want My Love?' for the multi-platinum selling
Beverley Cops Soundtrack album subsequently enjoying success as a songwritier
with his compositions recorded by artists such as Phyllis Hyman and Sheena
Easton. In 1987 Junior had his biggest European hit 'Another Step', a duet with
Kim Wilde which reached no. 6 in the UK charts and led to a tour with Wilde
including opening for Michael Jackson on his UK dates. Junior has penned tracks
for a number of artists, including Maxi Priest, Penny Ford, Amy Stewart, Bern,
Nu Colours, Jane Eugene, The Marvellettes and The Tramps. Join Junior from
Monday to Thursday between 16.00 & 18.00 GMT for Soul old and new plus
competitions.
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