On an island renowned for its superb vocalists and composers, John Holt still stands head and shoulders above the rest as one of Jamaicas sweetest singers and enduring songwriters. He has voiced and penned so many of the countrys classics that in a way, Holt has defined the islands sound. Born in the Greenwich Farm area of Kingston, Jamaica, on July 11, 1947, the young Holt took his first steps into the music business via the talent show circuit. Talent shows have always had a massive popularity in Jamaica and the top ones were initially broadcast live on radio and later on television. Many of the islands greatest artists (Gregory Isaacs amongst them) made their first appearances in talent shows, and it has proved an excellent training ground for young hopefuls.