Joseph Velvet ‘perseveres’ through life’s trials

For reggae singer Joseph Velvet, perseverance has never been just the

title of an album — it has been the defining theme of his life.

Now, the veteran vocalist is hoping that Evermore, a newly reimagined version of a

song from his Perseverance album, will introduce his music to a new generation of

listeners while reminding longtime fans of the talent that first captivated reggae

audiences decades ago. Originally recorded with strong R&B influences, Evermore

has been reborn as a full-fledged reggae production and is being re-released through

Jones Production with worldwide distribution by CD Baby.

The idea for the remake came from an unlikely source: his son Joseph.

“His thinking was that with these popular musicians and the lyrics, the song would

get noticed and as a result there would be more views, streams and downloads,” said

Joseph Velvet.

The new recording benefits from the contributions of some of Jamaica’s most

respected musicians. For Joseph Velvet, however, the release represents more than a

new single. It is another chapter in a career marked by resilience, setbacks and an

unwavering belief in music.

Despite decades in the industry, the singer admitted that he has not always received

the recognition he believes his work deserves. Yet rather than dwelling on missed

opportunities, he continues to focus on his craft and the message he hopes to share

through his music.

“Go for what you want and believe in yourself,” he said. “Just believe and persevere.”

His philosophy was forged through personal adversity. A native of Cockburn Pen in

St Andrew, Joseph Velvet burst onto the Jamaican music scene during the late 1980s

with Wildflower, a silky-smooth cover version that became a breakout hit. The

song opened doors that allowed him to perform alongside some of reggae’s most

celebrated names, including Dennis Brown and Freddie McGregor. Like many

Jamaican artistes, he later migrated to the US in pursuit of broader opportunities,

performing extensively across clubs and venues while continuing to release new

material. Although subsequent singles earned attention, none matched the

commercial impact of Wildflower.

Then came a devastating setback. Just as the singer was regaining momentum in

2003 with recordings such as Arms Around Me and Love Face, a series of motor

vehicle accidents left him with severe spinal injuries. Years of rehabilitation followed,

accompanied by depression and uncertainty about whether he would ever perform

again. The songs he had recorded during that period were never released.

“There were times when I didn’t know if I would ever sing again,” he said.

The turning point came through the encouragement of his son. Inspired to return to

the studio, Joseph Velvet began recording once more and eventually released his

debut album, Perseverance — a title that perfectly captured the struggles and

triumphs that had defined his journey. The project reaffirmed his commitment to

music and demonstrated a determination that refused to be broken by circumstance.