The Paragons

The Paragons

16157 fans

Affectionately remembered primarily for their classic single 'The Tide Is High' - which was later turned into a huge international hit for Blondie and, later still, Atomic Kitten - Jamaican rocksteady act The Paragons captured the island's sweet, sun-kissed vocal harmonies and went on to influence the likes of Massive Attack, UB40 and The Specials.

Starting life as a young doo-wop group called The Binders, Bob Andy, Tyrone Evans, John Holt and Howard Barrett came together in 1964 and started out trying to imitate the sound of American soul and R&B music. Their romantic, soothing melodies developed into something more distinct though during recording sessions for legendary producer Coxsone Dodd, and they scored national hits with singles 'In Love at Last', 'Follow Me' and 'Play Girl', while performing at clubs and hotels. Andy left to pursue a successful solo career in 1966, but as a trio they entered their most successful period with album 'On the Beach' producing signature tracks like 'Only a Smile' and 'Wear You to the Ball'. They also topped the Jamaican charts with 'My Best Girl' and 'Silver Bird', but as trends turned towards reggae music, the group's later work with female vocalist Roslyn Sweat didn't catch on.

Holt went on to become a leading solo star, but the group occasionally reformed in one guise or another over the years including to work with albino dancehall artist Yellowman on an album in 2002. Their influence and reputation remained vital though thanks to people such as Horace Andy, Dennis Brown and Gregory Isaacs recording their songs and in 1980 Blondie topped both the US and UK charts with their version of 'The Tide Is High'. English girl group Atomic Kitten again took the song to number one in the UK in 2002, and Canadian rapper Kardinal Offishall reworked the track in 2008 with vocals from Keri Hilson.

Top tracks

01
Blackbird Singing
Rosalyn Sweat
On the Beach: The Anthology
02:34
Writer: John Lennon - Paul McCartney / Composers: John Lennon - Paul McCartney
11
The Tide Is High
The Paragons
Original Paragons At Treasure Isle
02:45
24
I've Got to Get Away (aka Man Next Door)
John Holt
On the Beach: The Anthology
01:59
Writer: John Holt / Composers: John Holt
01
Black Bird Singing
The Paragons
Blackbird Singing
02:35
01
Florence
The Paragons
The Paragons Meet the Jesters
02:42
03
When The Lights Are Low
The Paragons
On the Beach: The Anthology
03:04
Writer: John Holt - Steve Evans / Composers: John Holt - Steve Evans
10
Wear You To The Ball
The Paragons
On the Beach: The Anthology
02:29
Writer: John Holt / Composers: John Holt
03
When The Lights Are Low - Original
The Paragons
On The Beach With The Paragons
03:05
10
Judgement Day - Original
The Paragons
The Paragons Selected Hits
03:02
07
I Want To Go Back - Original
The Paragons
On The Beach With The Paragons
02:55
04
The Tide Is High - Original
The Paragons
On The Beach With The Paragons
02:44
01
On The Beach - Original
The Paragons
On The Beach With The Paragons
02:35
06
Only A Smile - Original
The Paragons
On The Beach With The Paragons
03:00
02
The Tide Is High
The Paragons
Reggae Revolution
02:36
Writer: Holt / Composers: Holt
13
My Best Girl - Original
The Paragons
On The Beach With The Paragons
02:34
05
So Much Pain - Original
The Paragons
On The Beach With The Paragons
02:42
12
Riding High On A Windy Day - Original
The Paragons
On The Beach With The Paragons
03:07
01
Abba
The Paragons
Abba
03:09
Composers: Danny Huntley - Johnny Pace - Jim Charles
02
Island In The Sun - Original
The Paragons
On The Beach With The Paragons
03:10
09
Yellow Bird
The Paragons
On The Beach
03:29
Composers: Irving Burgess
11
Talking Love
The Paragons
On the Beach: The Anthology
03:09
Writer: Howard Barrett - John Holt - Tyrone Evans / Composers: Howard Barrett - John Holt - Tyrone Evans
01
On the Beach
The Paragons
On the Beach: The Anthology
02:37
Writer: Howard Barrett - John Holt - Tyrone Evans / Composers: Howard Barrett - John Holt - Tyrone Evans
22
The Number One For Me (AKA You're Number One)
The Paragons
On the Beach: The Anthology
02:12
Writer: John Holt - Steve Evans / Composers: John Holt - Steve Evans
06
The Vows of Love
The Paragons
The Paragons Meet the Jesters
02:46
08
I'm Falling in Love
The Jesters
The Paragons Meet the Jesters
02:18
08
The Same Song
The Paragons
Original Paragons At Treasure Isle
02:50
02
Island In The Sun
The Paragons
On the Beach: The Anthology
03:11
Writer: Harry Belafonte - Lord Burgess / Composers: Harry Belafonte - Lord Burgess
14
Kneel and Pray (feat. Mack Starr)
The Paragons
The Paragons Meet the Jesters
02:24
04
Let's Start All over Again
The Paragons
The Paragons Meet the Jesters
02:40
23
Left With A Broken Heart
John Holt
On the Beach: The Anthology
03:08
Writer: Marv Johnson / Composers: Marv Johnson
50
Wear You to the Ball
The Paragons
Gems from Treasure Isle
02:38
Composers: Holt
19
I'm Flashing My Whip
The Paragons
Version Galore
02:53
Composers: John Holt
16
Riding High On A Windy Day
John Holt
On the Beach: The Anthology
02:51
Writer: John Holt / Composers: John Holt
01
Everyday Is a Holiday
The Paragons
Original Paragons At Treasure Isle
02:35
03
Man Next Door
The Paragons
The Paragons / The Paragons In Dub
04:00
Composers: Howard Barrett - Tyrone Evans - John Holt
47
On the Beach
The Paragons
Gems from Treasure Isle
02:36
Composers: Holt
01
Smile, It's a New Day aka Pack Up Your Troubles
The Paragons
Sly & Robbie Presents Memories by the Score
03:13
Writer: Neville Holder - James Lea / Composers: Neville Holder - James Lea
15
Come A Little Closer
The Paragons
On the Beach: The Anthology
03:34
Writer: Steve Evans / Composers: Steve Evans
11
I Laughed
The Jesters
The Paragons Meet the Jesters
02:32
10
Wear You To The Ball - Original
The Paragons
On The Beach With The Paragons
02:38
06
Quiet Place
The Paragons
The Mighty Paragons Collection
02:00
Composers: The Paragons
06
Only a Smile
The Paragons
On the Beach: The Anthology
02:55
Writer: Howard Barrett - John Holt - Tyrone Evans / Composers: Howard Barrett - John Holt - Tyrone Evans
02
Left With A Broken Heart
John Holt
Pure Gold - John Holt
03:10
04
The World Is A Ghetto
Rosalyn Sweat
On the Beach: The Anthology
03:56
Writer: Lee Oskar - Louis Jordan - Rebekah Allen - Winfield Scott / Composers: Lee Oskar - Louis Jordan - Rebekah Allen - Winfield Scott
06
Happy Go Lucky Girl
The Paragons
Original Paragons At Treasure Isle
03:14
07
I'll Be Back (aka I Want To Go Back)
The Paragons
On the Beach: The Anthology
02:52
Writer: John Lennon - Paul McCartney / Composers: John Lennon - Paul McCartney
13
Happy Go Lucky Girl
The Paragons
Many Mood of Reggae
03:08
Writer: John Kenneth Holt - Howard Anthony Barrett - Tyrone Evans / Composers: John Kenneth Holt - Howard Anthony Barrett - Tyrone Evans
15
On the Beach
The Paragons
Treasure Isle Records - The Ultimate Collection
02:36
18
My Best Girl
The Paragons
On the Beach: The Anthology
02:35
Writer: Howard Barrett - John Holt - Tyrone Evans / Composers: Howard Barrett - John Holt - Tyrone Evans
09
Riding High on a Windy Day
The Paragons
Original Paragons At Treasure Isle
03:07
07
Mother Nature
Roslyn Sweet
I Shall Sing, Vol . 2
02:31
Composers: Dino Fekaris - Nickolas Zesses
02
Island in the Sun
The Paragons
On The Beach
03:10
Composers: Irving Burgess - Harry Belafonte
17
Wear You To The Ball
John Holt
Holt Like a Bolt
02:33
03
Joy In My Soul
The Paragons
Black Power '68
02:27
Writer: Howard Anthony Barrett - Tyrone Evans - John Holt / Composers: Howard Anthony Barrett - Tyrone Evans - John Holt
37
Mercy, Mercy, Mercy
The Paragons
Gems from Treasure Isle
02:58
Composers: zawinul
01
Florence
The Paragons
Florence - Single
02:43
43
Only a Smile
The Paragons
Gems from Treasure Isle
03:00
Composers: Barrett - Evans - Holt
08
Left With A Broken Heart - Original
The Paragons
The Paragons Selected Hits
03:11
14
Yellow Bird
The Paragons
Treasure Isle Collection
03:24
45
Maybe Someday
The Paragons
Gems from Treasure Isle
01:59
Composers: Holt
01
Left with a Broken Heart
John Holt
Vintage Reggae Hits
03:20
Composers: John Holt - The Paragons
08
Happy Go Lucky Girl - Original
The Paragons
On The Beach With The Paragons
03:14

Playlists

Similar artists

Desmond Dekker
Desmond Dekker
The Melodians
The Melodians
The Techniques
The Techniques
Phyllis Dillon
Phyllis Dillon
Alton Ellis
Alton Ellis
John Holt
John Holt
  • Discography
Albums
The Paragons / The Paragons In Dub
This Compilation â„— 2015 Island Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc., under exclusive licence to Virgin Music UK
11-05-2015
The Paragons / The Paragons In Dub
01
Happy Go Lucky Girl
The Paragons
The Paragons / The Paragons In Dub
03:43
Writer: John Holt - Howard Anthony Barrett / Composers: John Holt - Howard Anthony Barrett
02
I'll Be Back
The Paragons
The Paragons / The Paragons In Dub
03:56
Writer: John Lennon - Paul McCartney / Composers: John Lennon - Paul McCartney
03
Man Next Door
The Paragons
The Paragons / The Paragons In Dub
04:00
Composers: Howard Barrett - Tyrone Evans - John Holt
04
Only A Smile
The Paragons
The Paragons / The Paragons In Dub
03:43
Writer: John Holt - Tyrone Evans - Howard Barrett / Composers: John Holt - Tyrone Evans - Howard Barrett
05
My Best Girl
The Paragons
The Paragons / The Paragons In Dub
03:42
Writer: John Holt - Tyrone Evans - Howard Barrett / Composers: John Holt - Tyrone Evans - Howard Barrett
06
The Tide Is High
The Paragons
The Paragons / The Paragons In Dub
03:47
Writer: Tyrone Evans - John Holt - Howard Anthony Barrett / Composers: Tyrone Evans - John Holt - Howard Anthony Barrett
07
Riding High
The Paragons
The Paragons / The Paragons In Dub
03:29
Writer: John Holt / Composers: John Holt
Access the complete album info (20 songs)
Original Paragons At Treasure Isle
13-01-2009
Original Paragons At Treasure Isle
01
Everyday Is a Holiday
The Paragons
Original Paragons At Treasure Isle
02:35
02
Wear You To the Ball
The Paragons
Original Paragons At Treasure Isle
02:40
03
On the Beach
The Paragons
Original Paragons At Treasure Isle
02:37
04
Only a Smile
The Paragons
Original Paragons At Treasure Isle
02:59
05
I Want To Go
The Paragons
Original Paragons At Treasure Isle
02:55
06
Happy Go Lucky Girl
The Paragons
Original Paragons At Treasure Isle
03:14
07
Silver Bird
The Paragons
Original Paragons At Treasure Isle
02:48
Access the complete album info (17 songs)
Golden Oldies
(P) 2007 Essential Media Group LLC. The copyright in these sound recordings is owned by Essential Media Group LLC.
01-12-2007
Golden Oldies
01
Blue Velvet
The Paragons
Golden Oldies
02:33
Composers: Lee Morris - Bernie Wayne
02
Wedding Bells
The Paragons
Golden Oldies
02:07
Composers: Leonard Andrews - Mike Smokler
03
Hey, Baby
The Paragons
Golden Oldies
02:24
Composers: Bruce Channel - Margaret Cobb
04
If
The Paragons
Golden Oldies
02:35
Composers: Stanley Damerell - Tolchard Evans - Robert Hargreaves
05
Begin The Beguine
The Paragons
Golden Oldies
03:13
Composers: Cole Porter
06
In The Midst Of The Night
The Paragons
Golden Oldies
03:12
Composers: Al Brown - Larry Jones
07
Time After Time
The Paragons
Golden Oldies
02:32
Composers: Jule Styne - Sammy Cahn
Access the complete album info (17 songs)
The Paragons' Talk To The People
24-06-2006
The Paragons' Talk To The People
01
You Will Regret - Original
The Paragons
The Paragons' Talk To The People
03:08
02
With You Girl - Original
The Paragons
The Paragons' Talk To The People
03:17
03
Why Can't I Have My Way - Original
The Paragons
The Paragons' Talk To The People
03:12
04
That's All I Want - Original
The Paragons
The Paragons' Talk To The People
03:07
05
Talk To The People - Original
The Paragons
The Paragons' Talk To The People
02:45
06
Sparkle Of My Eyes - Original
The Paragons
The Paragons' Talk To The People
03:20
07
Quiet Place - Original
The Paragons
The Paragons' Talk To The People
02:01
Access the complete album info (9 songs)
The Paragons Selected Hits
12-06-2006
The Paragons Selected Hits
01
Never Will I Hurt You - Original
The Paragons
The Paragons Selected Hits
03:31
02
Memories By The Score - Original
The Paragons
The Paragons Selected Hits
02:26
03
Maddening Crowd - Original
The Paragons
The Paragons Selected Hits
03:08
04
Lovers' Medley - Original
The Paragons
The Paragons Selected Hits
03:05
05
Love Vibration - Original
The Paragons
The Paragons Selected Hits
02:41
06
Change Your Ways - Original
The Paragons
The Paragons Selected Hits
02:57
07
Be My Best Friend - Original
The Paragons
The Paragons Selected Hits
03:05
Access the complete album info (16 songs)
Gems from Treasure Isle
2001 Charly
01-12-2001
Gems from Treasure Isle
01
Woman Come
Don Drummond
Gems from Treasure Isle
03:09
Composers: Mahfood - Reid
02
Starry Night
Tommy McCook
Gems from Treasure Isle
02:47
Composers: Williams
03
Corner Stone
Don Drummond
Gems from Treasure Isle
02:24
Composers: Reid
04
Penny Reel
Eric Morris
Gems from Treasure Isle
02:29
Composers: Morris
05
Strolling In
Tommy McCook
Gems from Treasure Isle
02:26
Composers: McCook - Reid
06
Save a Bread
Justin Hinds
Gems from Treasure Isle
02:41
Composers: Hinds
07
Twilight Zone
The Baba Brooks Band
Gems from Treasure Isle
02:53
Composers: Brooks
Access the complete album info (58 songs)
The Legendary Paragons
05-06-2000
The Legendary Paragons
01
It's Like You're Here With Me
The Paragons
The Legendary Paragons
02:39
02
I'm Coming Home
The Paragons
The Legendary Paragons
02:22
03
Closer To Me
The Paragons
The Legendary Paragons
01:55
04
I'm The One Who's The Blame
The Paragons
The Legendary Paragons
02:52
05
Had A Talk
The Paragons
The Legendary Paragons
03:36
06
I Will Never Leave
The Paragons
The Legendary Paragons
02:46
07
Why
The Paragons
The Legendary Paragons
03:01
Access the complete album info (12 songs)
The Paragons - Sings The Beatles and Bob Dylan
â„— 1998 VP Music Group, Inc
11-08-1998
The Paragons - Sings The Beatles and Bob Dylan
01
Because
The Paragons
The Paragons - Sings The Beatles and Bob Dylan
01:22
02
I'll Be Back
The Paragons
The Paragons - Sings The Beatles and Bob Dylan
03:02
03
I Shall Be Released
The Paragons
The Paragons - Sings The Beatles and Bob Dylan
04:37
04
Don't Let Me Down
The Paragons
The Paragons - Sings The Beatles and Bob Dylan
04:14
05
Blowing In The Wind
The Paragons
The Paragons - Sings The Beatles and Bob Dylan
05:21
Writer: Bob Dylan
06
Knockin' On Heaven's Door
The Paragons
The Paragons - Sings The Beatles and Bob Dylan
04:26
07
Michelle
The Paragons
The Paragons - Sings The Beatles and Bob Dylan
04:18
Access the complete album info (14 songs)
Now
2025 Prestige Elite USA
03-05-1981
Now
01
Come a Little Closer
The Paragons
Now
03:37
Composers: Howard Barrett - Tyrone Evans - Susie Wong
02
That's All I Want
The Paragons
Now
03:54
Composers: Howard Barrett - Tyrone Evans - Susie Wong
03
The Modelling Crowd
The Paragons
Now
03:26
Composers: Howard Barrett - Tyrone Evans - Susie Wong
04
I Need Her
The Paragons
Now
03:33
Composers: Howard Barrett - Tyrone Evans - Susie Wong
05
A Place Called Zion
The Paragons
Now
03:37
Composers: Bunny Lee
06
Heaven and Earth
The Paragons
Now
03:31
Composers: Howard Barrett - Tyrone Evans - Susie Wong
07
The First Time I Saw You
The Paragons
Now
03:29
Composers: Howard Barrett - Tyrone Evans - Susie Wong
Access the complete album info (10 songs)
Sly & Robbie Presents Memories by the Score
â„— 1968 Sanctuary Records Group Ltd., a BMG Company
01-01-1968
Sly & Robbie Presents Memories by the Score
01
Smile, It's a New Day aka Pack Up Your Troubles
The Paragons
Sly & Robbie Presents Memories by the Score
03:13
Writer: Neville Holder - James Lea / Composers: Neville Holder - James Lea
02
Do Right, My Brothers and Sisters aka Change Your Ways
The Paragons
Sly & Robbie Presents Memories by the Score
02:57
Writer: Edward Lee - Tyrone Evans / Composers: Edward Lee - Tyrone Evans
03
Judgement Days
The Paragons
Sly & Robbie Presents Memories by the Score
03:14
Writer: Edward Lee - Tyrone Evans / Composers: Edward Lee - Tyrone Evans
04
Talk to the People
The Paragons
Sly & Robbie Presents Memories by the Score
02:46
Writer: Edward Lee - Tyrone Evans / Composers: Edward Lee - Tyrone Evans
05
She Is Just a Waste of Time
Tyrone Evans
Sly & Robbie Presents Memories by the Score
02:51
Writer: Tyrone Evans - Edward Lee / Composers: Tyrone Evans - Edward Lee
06
Left With a Broken Heart
The Paragons
Sly & Robbie Presents Memories by the Score
03:12
Writer: Marv Johnson / Composers: Marv Johnson
07
With You Girl
The Paragons
Sly & Robbie Presents Memories by the Score
03:18
Writer: Edward Lee - Tyrone Evans / Composers: Edward Lee - Tyrone Evans
Access the complete album info (25 songs)
On the Beach: The Anthology
â„— 2007 Sanctuary Records Group Ltd., a BMG Company
01-01-1967
On the Beach: The Anthology
01
On the Beach
The Paragons
On the Beach: The Anthology
02:37
Writer: Howard Barrett - John Holt - Tyrone Evans / Composers: Howard Barrett - John Holt - Tyrone Evans
02
Island In The Sun
The Paragons
On the Beach: The Anthology
03:11
Writer: Harry Belafonte - Lord Burgess / Composers: Harry Belafonte - Lord Burgess
03
When The Lights Are Low
The Paragons
On the Beach: The Anthology
03:04
Writer: John Holt - Steve Evans / Composers: John Holt - Steve Evans
04
The Tide Is High
The Paragons
On the Beach: The Anthology
02:43
Writer: Howard Anthony Barrett - John Holt - Tyrone Evans / Composers: Howard Anthony Barrett - John Holt - Tyrone Evans
05
Love Brings Pain (AKA So Much Pain) (AKA So Much Pain)
The Paragons
On the Beach: The Anthology
02:39
Writer: John Holt - Steve Evans / Composers: John Holt - Steve Evans
06
Only a Smile
The Paragons
On the Beach: The Anthology
02:55
Writer: Howard Barrett - John Holt - Tyrone Evans / Composers: Howard Barrett - John Holt - Tyrone Evans
07
I'll Be Back (aka I Want To Go Back)
The Paragons
On the Beach: The Anthology
02:52
Writer: John Lennon - Paul McCartney / Composers: John Lennon - Paul McCartney
Access the complete album info (53 songs)
On The Beach With The Paragons
01-01-1967
On The Beach With The Paragons
01
On The Beach - Original
The Paragons
On The Beach With The Paragons
02:35
02
Island In The Sun - Original
The Paragons
On The Beach With The Paragons
03:10
03
When The Lights Are Low - Original
The Paragons
On The Beach With The Paragons
03:05
04
The Tide Is High - Original
The Paragons
On The Beach With The Paragons
02:44
05
So Much Pain - Original
The Paragons
On The Beach With The Paragons
02:42
06
Only A Smile - Original
The Paragons
On The Beach With The Paragons
03:00
07
I Want To Go Back - Original
The Paragons
On The Beach With The Paragons
02:55
Access the complete album info (14 songs)
On the Beach with The Paragons
01-01-1967
On the Beach with The Paragons
01
On the Beach
The Paragons
On the Beach with The Paragons
02:37
02
Island in the Sun
The Paragons
On the Beach with The Paragons
03:09
03
When the Lights Are Low
The Paragons
On the Beach with The Paragons
03:10
04
The Tide Is High
The Paragons
On the Beach with The Paragons
02:45
05
So Much Pain
The Paragons
On the Beach with The Paragons
02:41
06
Only a Smile
The Paragons
On the Beach with The Paragons
02:59
07
I Want to Go Back
The Paragons
On the Beach with The Paragons
02:55
Access the complete album info (14 songs)
The Paragons vs. The Harptones
(P) 1964 Essential Media Group LLC. The copyright in these restored and digitally remastered sound recordings are owned by Essential Media Group LLC.
13-09-1964
The Paragons vs. The Harptones
01
Florence
The Paragons
The Paragons vs. The Harptones
02:42
Composers: Julius McMichaels - Paul Winley
02
My Memories of You
The Harptones
The Paragons vs. The Harptones
03:11
Composers: Raoul Cita
03
Let's Start All over Again
The Paragons
The Paragons vs. The Harptones
02:41
Composers: Ethel Byrd - Paul Winley
04
What Is Your Decision
The Harptones
The Paragons vs. The Harptones
03:02
Composers: Raoul Cita
05
Doll Baby
The Paragons
The Paragons vs. The Harptones
02:02
Composers: Paul Winley
06
Since I Fell for You
The Harptones
The Paragons vs. The Harptones
02:20
Composers: Woodrow "Buddy" Johnson
07
Danny Boy
The Paragons
The Paragons vs. The Harptones
03:34
Composers: Traditional
Access the complete album info (14 songs)
EPs
The Paragons' Mother Nature
24-06-2006
The Paragons' Mother Nature
01
The Same Song - Original
The Paragons
The Paragons' Mother Nature
02:45
02
Mother Nature - Original
The Paragons
The Paragons' Mother Nature
02:25
03
Land Of Sea and Sun - Original
The Paragons
The Paragons' Mother Nature
03:02
04
I Want To Go - Original
The Paragons
The Paragons' Mother Nature
02:51
05
I Wanna Be With You - Original
The Paragons
The Paragons' Mother Nature
02:54
06
Positive Movements - Original
The Paragons
The Paragons' Mother Nature
03:26