"OK Fred" is a song by Jamaican singer-songwriter John Holt.[1] It was first released as a single in 1971.[2]
| "OK Fred" | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Single by John Holt | |
| B-side | "Jamaica Bag" |
| Released | 1971 |
| Genre | Reggae |
| Label | Studio One |
| Songwriter(s) | John Holt |
| Producer(s) | Coxsone Dodd |
| "OK Fred" | |
|---|---|
| Single by Errol Dunkley | |
| B-side | "OK Fred (instrumental version)" |
| Released | 1979 |
| Genre | Reggae |
| Label | Scope |
| Songwriter(s) | John Holt |
| Producer(s) | Ossie Hibbert |
Background
editErrol Dunkley stated that the song is about an up-town girl who falls for a down-town guy who is a non-conformist in the way he dresses and wants to become care-free like him. Jamaican parents might tell their unkempt children, "Fix up youself, put you shirt in you trousers, you look like a yaga yaga" [sic].[3] AllMusic gave a different version, saying the song describes the singer's prowess and technique with the opposite sex.[2] The song is considered a cross over hit due to being by a Jamaican artist but appealing to a white audience.[4]
Holt's version features Vin Gordon on trombone. It was produced by Coxsone Dodd.[2] The song was covered with greater chart success by Dunkley.[5]
Chart success
editHolt's version did not chart in the UK. Dunkley's version reached No. 11 on the UK Singles Chart in 1979, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.[6]
References
edit- ^ "OK Fred John Holt". 45cat.com. Retrieved 15 May 2014.
- ^ a b c "OK Fred". AllMusic. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
- ^ Dunkley, Errol. "OK Fred's Meaning". YouTube. Retrieved 1 January 2010.
- ^ Jones, Simon (1988). Black culture, white youth: the reggae tradition from JA to UK. Macmillan Education. ISBN 9780333452554.
- ^ "OK Fred". Discogs.com. 1979. Retrieved 15 May 2014.
- ^ "Errol Dunkley". Officialcharts.com. Retrieved 15 May 2014.