Biography
Born as John Gilbert Peck in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies, the performer drew his stage name from Louis Armstrong, long revered as a guiding influence across the island. He first appeared onstage as a dancer alongside Beryl McGar and the enigmatic Sparky; the three billed themselves as Sparky, Pluggy And Beryl, a mid-1950s troupe that entertained visitors along the north coast. Individual recognition arrived when Peck entered and won the Vere John’s Opportunity Hour talent contest, yet he kept dancing and singing with the trio even after that victory. While still active in the group he also teamed with Owen Gray for early-1980s sessions later assembled by Vista Sounds into the 1983 medley collection Battle Of The Giants Round 1.
Peck moved to North America in 1986 and eventually made his home in Canada, where he and McGar resumed performing as a dance duo after Sparky departed for the UK. McGar’s death in 2000 prompted Peck to concentrate on solo work; despite more than twenty-five years in the business, Canadian audiences treated him as an overnight sensation once he signed with TP Records. His admiration for Armstrong prompted a tribute album that highlighted his vocal impersonation of the jazz icon. The debut release, Porridge, included guest appearances by Lord Tanamo and Norma King on renditions of “What A Wonderful World,” Nat “King” Cole’s “Mona Lisa,” and Fats Domino’s “Blueberry Hill.” That same year Peck received an award of merit at the 16th Annual Canadian Reggae Awards.
Peck moved to North America in 1986 and eventually made his home in Canada, where he and McGar resumed performing as a dance duo after Sparky departed for the UK. McGar’s death in 2000 prompted Peck to concentrate on solo work; despite more than twenty-five years in the business, Canadian audiences treated him as an overnight sensation once he signed with TP Records. His admiration for Armstrong prompted a tribute album that highlighted his vocal impersonation of the jazz icon. The debut release, Porridge, included guest appearances by Lord Tanamo and Norma King on renditions of “What A Wonderful World,” Nat “King” Cole’s “Mona Lisa,” and Fats Domino’s “Blueberry Hill.” That same year Peck received an award of merit at the 16th Annual Canadian Reggae Awards.
Albums