British born to a Jamaican father and English mother, J.C. Lodge was taken to Jamaica as a child. There, the Beatles’ fan soon became immersed in R&B and reggae, and sang along to everything she heard.
She was encouraged to perform in her high school concerts by classmates, and enjoyed doing so, but felt her career lay either in art or drama. A relationship with Errol O’Meally toward the end of high school, however, led her further along the music path.
He was a budding songwriter, and used her voice to present some of his material to Joe Gibbs’ Recording Studio. Both the songs and the singer were well received, and J.C. was asked to cover ‘Someone Loves You, Honey’ in 1980. The reggae-country and western tune topped the Jamaican charts worldwide, and earned the singer gold and platinum discs in the Netherlands. Such success convinced J.C. that music should be her main direction.
Nine albums followed, consisting mostly of reggae, but some with R&B and pop material, too, usually written by O’Meally or J.C. Producers like Joe Gibbs, Willie Lindo, Gussie Clarke, Errol O’Meally and Neal Fraser (a.k.a. Mad Professor), created product which garnered for J.C. several hits and prestigious awards across the world.
‘Telephone Love,’ recorded for Clarke in 1988, was the first dance hall reggae track to cross over in the R&B and hip-hop markets in the United States, topping the urban charts in New York and other cities. This led to an album deal with hip-hop label Tommy Boy Records and the Tropic of love album featuring the hit R&B single ‘Home is where the hurt is’.
With O’Meally’s influence and the creative opportunities of so many albums, J.C.’s songwriting skill was unearthed and polished. Several Jamaican artistes have sung her original compositions, and she continues to work toward having overseas artistes do likewise. Her varied influences are expressed in both her writing and performances, and she is comfortable in several genres, whether it be reggae, jazz, pop, R&B or country and western.
The birth of her daughter Gia in 1994 has inspired 3 children’s educational albums. The popularity of these drew the interest of Jamaica’s national Television station – TVJ, who asked J.C. and her manager/producer/husband – Errol O’Meally to produce a 13 part children’s television series entitled ‘Sing ‘n Learn’. The website is located at www.sing-and-learn.com.
Through her singing, writing, acting and artwork, J.C. shares herself with her many fans, and continues to provide pleasing and positive entertainment wherever she goes.
Throughout the 90s JC consolidated her presence internationally, as far afield as Japan where she has toured numerous times enjoying great popularity. Presently she has relocated to the UK since late 2001 to further her career in Europe and has just released her debut album for top UK reggae label Jetstar Records, ‘Reggae Country’ with the lead single being ‘single and female’.
SELECTIVE DISCOGRAPHY :
Albums
- Someone Loves You Honey
Her first album, produced by Willie Lindo and Errol Thompson at Joe Gibbs Studio after the runaway success of her debut single of the same name.
This album is considered one the classic reggae albums of all time and is still steadily selling today.
Listen to 'Someone Loves You Honey'.
- Revealed
Co-produced by Willie Lindo and Errol OMeally, this album was the first after the breakaway from Joe Gibbs.
An excellent mix of mid-eighties reggae hits with one or two surprise tracks from other genres.
Listen to 'Stick By Me'.
- I Believe In You
First of two albums done for Gussie Clarke's Music Works label.
Lush production on mostly studio-staff written originals, typical of the producer's mid-eighties style.
Listen to 'Let Me Down Easy'.
- Selfish Lover
The best Album produced by Gussie Clarke during JC's stay at Music Works Studios.
For good songs, hard riddims and crisp engineering this is hard to beat.
Listen to 'Way Up'.
- Tropic Of Love
The crossover success of 'Telephone Love' in the U.S. urban markets, particularly on the East Coast, prompted Rap Label Tommy Boy to sign JC.
This album represents an attempt to bridge the reggae / dancehall / urban divide and still sounds fresh.
Listen to 'Pillow Talk'.
- To The Max
In some ways this is JC's favourite album, the one that approaches her ideal mixture of styles and rhythms the closest.
The first co-production by her and manager Errol O'Meally.
Listen to 'Trust Me'.
- Special Request
On this album JC pushes the edges a bit. She presses harder on the dancehall and reggae oriented material and goes deeper on the r & b cuts.
Mostly originals to showcase her versatility in songwriting and vocal delivery.An adventurous album.
Listen to 'Empty Words'.
- Love For All Seasons
Produced in London at Ariwa Studios by the legendary Mad Professor.
This album contains some beautiful originals by JC along with some classic soul covers and represents a journey through the english 'Lovers Rock' Sound.
Listen to 'Thank You'.
- Let Love Inside
A special album produced by Errol O'Meally and JC for Mercury Records in Japan.
This is a rare album with some outstanding productions in reggae and r & b styles.
Try to get this one!
Listen to 'For You'.
- Reggae Country
Produced by Danny Ray at Jetstar Records in London and released November 2002, Reggae Country was inspired by Jamaicans love of Country Music.
Mostly covers of Classic and contemporary favourites with two originals of a similar flavour added.
This was the first Album project by JC after her return to her birthplace in October 2001.
Listen to 'Looking For Love'.
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