The Paragons

Many recognize the track "The Tide Is High" as a major success for Blondie, yet the song first achieved prominence during the 1960s with the Paragons. The vocal group originated in Kingston, Jamaica, with its initial lineup consisting of Garth "Tyrone" Evans, Bob Andy, Junior Menz, and Leroy Stamp. Shortly before their breakthrough on the Jamaican scene in 1964, Leroy Stamp departed and John Holt stepped in, while Junior Menz exited to join another local ensemble, the Techniques, and was succeeded by Howard Barret. Their initial recordings reflected a strong debt to American soul, delivered through the close, interlocking harmonies typical of early-1960s Jamaican vocal trios and quartets.

That same year the quartet drew the interest of veteran producer Clement "Coxsone" Dodd, who escorted them to Studio One; under the guidance of their new mentor, Duke Reid, they recorded a string of popular singles for his Treasure Isle label, among them "Love at Last" and "Good Luck and Goodbye." Following this early wave of hits, Bob Andy withdrew from the lineup and the Paragons halted sessions. John Holt, who had by then assumed leadership, steered the remaining members toward a softer, more roots-oriented rocksteady style. The shift proved successful: the Paragons soon ranked as the leading rocksteady vocal group throughout both Jamaica and Britain.

Persistent disputes over finances—particularly the realization that the members had not grown wealthy despite more than a dozen Jamaican number-one singles—eventually caused the group to disband. Among its former participants, only John Holt sustained a notable solo career afterward. Nevertheless, the Paragons’ body of work, which includes "The Tide Is High," stands among the most memorable and refined examples of Jamaican popular music.