Carol Gonzalez

I began singing professionally in 1978 at the “Jonkanoo Lounge” nightclub, with the resident band at the Wyndham Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica.

During my sojourn with this band, we performed six nights per week. I was the lead female singer of the group. I stayed with this group for about eight months, after which, I was invited me to perform (cabaret) on the Jamaican hotel/resort circuit, by a booking agent.

I accepted the invitation and performed as a cabaret artist until 1981when I migrated to Manhattan, New York, USA to pursue my career in the United States. In Manhattan, New York, my managers commissioned Mr. Danny Holgate, of Broadway fame, to develop a voice and stagecraft training programme specific to my goals. My training lasted twelve months. During my period of training I performed in small nightclubs in Manhattan. Unfortunately at the completion of my training, a family emergency compelled me to return to Jamaica; subsequent to which I was unable to pick up where I had left off in New York.

I remained in Jamaica and returned to the hotel/resort circuit as a cabaret artist. In 1986 I switched careers and read for a degree in law. In 1991 I passed the Jamaican Bar examinations and began to practice as an Attorney-at-Law. During the period 1986-1998, I continued my musical career, albeit to a lesser extent. In 1998 I was invited to preside as a Magistrate, (the Jamaican Lower Judiciary). I presently hold this position.

After I was appointed to the Bench, I was forced to give up my musical career all together. (In Jamaica a Judge is not allowed to engage in any activity other than official duties.) I am presently pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of the West Indies, in the field of International Public Criminal Law.

I must say though that whereas being a Judge has its rewards, there is just no substituting the spiritual fulfillment of being a singer; and needless to say, I regret having given up my musical career and I am actively preparing to return to being a professional singer.

As I noted above, prior to my being appointed to the Bench I had the luxury and pleasure of continuing my vocation as a professional singer; I also represented Jamaica at several musical competitions; most notably the annual “Caribbean Broadcasting Union Song Competition”. I performed a ballad titled “Don’t Cry Tomorrow” written and composed by Mr. Peter Ashbourne, we placed third in this competition.

During these years I also recorded the lead vocals for three songs (“Spoilt by your love”, “Second Class” and “Ocho Rios”), these songs did very well in the United Kingdom. Mr. Donovan Jermain, CEO of Penthouse Records Company and Mr. Peter Ashbourne, respectively, produced these songs.

One of the highlights of my career as a singer was my performance at “Reggae Sunsplash”, an annual international musical festival held in Montego Bay, Jamaica. On this occasion the audience numbered about sixty thousand.

During these years I also performed the lead vocals for many Jamaican “jingles” (advertising musical soundtracks).

During my years as a professional singer I performed with many great Jamaican artists, such as the internationally renowned DJ Buju Banton, the internationally renowned band “Chalice”, the internationally renowned singer Boris Gardner and Peter Ashbourne, lyricist and composer extraordinaire. I also had the pleasure of being the Jamaican performer on a jazz show at which one of the Marsalis brothers performed.

It is difficult to describe any one “most memorable” moment in my career as a professional singer. I would venture to say that each time I performed on stage was a memorable occasion.
Over the years as a performer I received many standing ovations, commendations and expressions of gratitude from members of audiences; there were times when patrons would come up to me after a performance and thank me with tears; this was always particularly touching and spiritually uplifting and satisfying for me.

I believe that as a singer I bring love, truth and upliftment to my audiences. I bear my heart and soul during every performance, my performances are never “affected”; indeed during every performance each member of my audience should feel as if I were singing only for them. I should and am able to lift the consciousness and the imagination of the audience out of their everyday world and troubles and take them to a wonderful place where their hearts and souls are soothed and comforted. I take them to a “wonderland” where only love resides. This is my objective each time I perform.

I have a very distinct and unique voice, which is easily recognizable; a voice that is unlike any other and I am a “true” soprano.

I love and admire a myriad of fellow artists. Some of the great artists that I admire and love are: Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Pat Benatar, Cindy Lauper, Anita Baker, Steve Perry and Journey, Foreigner, Rod Stewa