Image Text:

TALENT: Carroll Thompson

STARTING AS a sub-genre of reggae, UK born Lover's Rock defined a generation in the late 70s and 80s hugely impacting on British Pop Culture.

The Voice caught up with one of the genres icon Hopelessly In Love singer, Carroll Thompson, ahead of her performance with Lover’s Rock stars, Janet Kay and Victor Romero Evans for event at the Tricycle Theatre.

Here she describes how she fell in love with the genre and how reggae feeds her soul.

What keeps you singing reggae music?


My love for the genre. I love one drop, Ska, Roots and culture, Rock steady, Dancehall all the music from the Reggae tree!  It is a natural musical form for my expression.

How does Lovers Rock feed your soul?


Interesting question!  Well, its soothing, comforting and it make me feel good. Lovers Rock is akin to the feeling you have when you are surrounded by your favourite long time friends.



Did music find you or did you find music? 


Music definitely found me. It gently embraced and captured me as a young girl singing at church and has never left my side since!



Who are your singing icons?


I have many singing icons who have influenced and effected me in various ways throughout my life and some of my icons I have had the opportunity to sing with -whether for the purity of tone, the spirit their voices carry or their  sheer virtuosity and technique.

The first female voice I admired was my grandmother's who was a church minister and choir leader who raised and inspired me, she sang all the time, in the kitchen and in the car. She was called 'The bell of Trelawny' back in Jamaica! 

Also my grandfather was a jazz/ blues lover so I love Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Nina Simone and Etta James. Not forgetting Aretha Franklin, Minnie Ripperton, Diana Ross, Jones Girls, Emotions, Gladys Knight, Anita Baker, Chaka Khan, Shirley Bassey, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Donny Hathaway and Luther Vandross.

THREE'S NO CROWD: (L-R) Janet Kay, Victor Romero Evans and Carroll Thompson



How does it feel to be considered icons yourselves?


It makes me smile, as I am still learning and discovering every day. When I meet people here in the UK or Japan, Europe or even South America, from teenagers to pensioners from various cultures I feel so blessed and humbled to know that my music has touched them in such a positive way. 



What makes Lovers Rock music so unique?


The sound and feel is distinctive. It’s an original UK product a hybrid that embodies reggae, soul and pop from our perspective.



If you could sing any song at the opening games, what reggae song would you chose?


I would sing 'Something Inside so Strong' by Labi Saffri. These lyrics are extremely powerful showing a relentless determination of steel and focus over adversity and obstacles, which resonates on many levels not just the games.



How does it feel to be all sharing a stage together?


It’s great, as we have so much fun. We've been musical friends for so many years, so we are able to communicate naturally and effortlessly in a complimentary way.

And of course, Janet and Victor are also great talents.



Where do you see the future of black British music?


Always producing and creating great music as we are unstoppable; constantly bubbling, blessed and gifted. Hopefully the internet in conjunction with the new emerging and established business minds can control and manage the next generation of talent and preserve the classic catalogues  that will no doubt emanate from the musical process.



What can people expect on the night?


Great music, classic songs, hilarious stories, fun, laughter and good vibes!



What's your personal motto - singing melody?


'Don’t worry about a thing...cos every little things gonna be alright!' This Bob Marley song is one of my favourite songs.

The lyric is simple and uplifting and the melody is beautiful and memorable. My mantra and philosophy for life is to try and remain positive at all times and to let go of the things you cannot change or that darkens your spirit, reduces your joy or blocks your path.

When life gets a little sticky, as it occasionally will, I find that prayer and an uplifting song can change your spiritual and mental state. I defy anyone not to smile when they sing this song!

The Lover’s Rock Monologues will be on show at the Tricycle Theatre from July 9-14th.

To find out more please visit: http://www.tricycle.co.uk/current-programme-pages/theatre/theatre-programme-main/lovers-rock-monologues/