On Monday, January 19th at www.westindiantimes.net/radioshow.htm the radio studio of Vibes 24/7., streaming live on the internet Lady Cham and Princess Ann were joined by Freddie McGregor O.D.  

Jimmy Cliff (left)  with Freddie McGregor after both received national awards from Governor General Sir Howard Cooke

For those who do not know, Freddie McGregor was awarded the Order of Distinction by the Government of Jamaica on National Heroes Day, 2003 for service to the development of the music industry.  He feels honored to have received the Order of Distinction but has dedicated the OD to the memory of the late Dennis Brown until Dennis receives one and then Freddy will retract the OD back to himself.  Freddie and other artists strongly believe that Dennis Brown deserves an OD and they are fighting hard to make sure that it happens.  Freddie who began in the music business at the age of 7 noted that Dennis Brown was Jamaica's first child star and it seems unfair that up until his death he did not receive the Distinction for all the hard work he put forth into reggae music, so Freddie and others will lobby until Dennis Emmanuel Brown is recognized. 

Freddie was in Virginia for a performance on Sunday, January 18th which was promoted by Jay Red and Wong Promotions, he said he always receives a wonderful welcome in Virginia and described Virginia as being a cool place that is more spacious than many places he visits on the East coast, in fact he said Virginia gives him a nice country feel. 

Freddie, age 47, is celebrating 40 years in the music business is still an entertainer in high demand, on Saturday, January 24th he will perform at Brooklyn College in New York and from NY he will leave on Sunday, Jan. 25th for London England where he will perform on Monday, January 26th.  From England he will go on to Germany where he has 5 shows and for 5 weeks he will tour European countries including but not limited to: Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland and France where he will be promoting his new album out on the Jetstar label entitled "Heart is Willing" which is very popular in Europe.  Freddy has a special love for Europe and the support that Europeans give to reggae music, he said that many people would be surprised to know that Germany has as many if not more sound systems than Jamaica.   

Freddie also spoke about his upcoming annual stage show 'Rock Steady Meets Reggae In A Massive Showdown.'  The show will take place on June 20th, Father's Day in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and the concept is to have a set of Rock Steady Artists and a set of Reggae Artists on the same stage in one night.  This is the 4th annual show and  promises to be bigger than last year which had approximately 30,000 patrons!  This year Freddie is organizing a a celebrity cricket match which will begin at 11am and there will be lots of games, vendors and activities which will lead into the show which will begin at 6pm.   

Nuff respect goes out to Indigo International Studios for working with Freddie here in VA!

Freddie McGregor, OD is a wonderful gentleman and we thank him for taking the time to join us on Vibes 24/7. 

The interview with Freddie can be heard on Tuesday, January 20th at 7pm U.S. EST and in London, England at 12midnight.