Claudia Fontaine & Raymond Simpson, Giant of Lovers Rock, 7th Oct 2017 HD

Claudia Fontaine & Raymond Simpson sing at the Giants of Lovers Rock Concert at the IndigO2 on 7th October 2017, hosted by Eddie Nestor & Robbie Gee, organised by promoter Orlando Gittens. RIP to a Wonderful Singer and Beautiful Person. Claudia Fontaine began her career in her early teens, initially providing backing vocals on various recording sessions. She joined a number of lovers rock trios, including Mellow Rose, One Love and True Harmony, before emerging as a soloist. In 1981 she recorded her version of Bloodstone’s classic R&B ballad, ‘Natural High’, with producer Junior Boothe which she sings in this show. The song became a popular lovers rock hit and was licensed to a major label, although with little success, and the follow-up, ‘Not A Little Girl Any More’, failed to make any impact. Fontaine continued in session work, providing backing vocals for Keith Douglas, Tony Tuff and King Sounds, and in 1982 she joined La Famile, singing lead vocals alongside Brown Sugar and Soul II Soul vocalist Caron Wheeler. The group recorded the 1982 disco hit ‘Dancer’, followed by the acclaimed ‘All Night Long’. In 1983 she teamed up with Raymond Simpson as Raymond And Claudia, and the duo recorded versions of George Benson’s ‘Turn Your Love Around’ and Jermaine Jackson’s ‘Paradise In Your Eyes’. The former was commercially successful, prompting a return to the studio for ‘Is It Always Gonna Be Like This’, which is also performed in this concert. Fontaine maintained her connections with La Famile, provided backing vocals on the Jam’s farewell tour, and pursued a career in journalism on West Indian World. She will be greatly missed by all. Thank you, Claudia, for your music and for being you!