I’ve known Toronto-based, Montegonian vocalist and producer Bob Williams for a good 20 years now. Along with his original singing partner, the late, great, Jimmy Wisdom (of Wisdom’s Barber Shop and Hairdressing Salon on Eglinton Avenue West), Bob was prominently featured on the landmark 2006 Jamaica to Toronto: Soul, Funk, and Reggae 1967-1974 compilation, which was re-released in an expanded version last November on Light In The Attic Records.
Bob and I are also neighbours and friends, so when I got a call from him about how we might be able to help generate some much needed funds for Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa relief initiatives, I was all ears. I immediately thought of the Sonic Boom record store in Toronto, a supporter and stockist of the Jamaica to Toronto album. Their large, street-facing window display late last year reminded me of the cross-cultural and intergenerational love that was shared through the 6-album Jamaica-Toronto series, which I produced in my early thirties over a number of years.
Without hesitation, Bryce at Sonic Boom was open to collaborate with us and it was an adventure to head downtown with Bob after Toronto’s first snowfall of 2025 to meet his fellow Sonic Boom staff member Margarita, who filmed Bob and assembled an Instagram reel to let our city, and the world, know of a special way to offer financial support to Jamaica in their time of need, while sharing the gift of music connected to this tragedy.
Bob’s remaining, original 12” vinyl copies of the 1989 Hurricane Gilbert relief single "Wind of Sadness" by Planet Earth and the Charitable People (featuring Bob Williams, Terry Brown, and Carlton Harrison, as well as vocals from Canada’s “First Lady of the Blues,” the dearly departed Salome Bey) are currently available at Sonic Boom (215 Spadina Avenue) for $20 (or more, by donation) with all funds collected going towards Hurricane Melissa support as recommended by the Consulate General of Jamaica, Toronto. Graciously, Sonic Boom will match minimum donations of $20 per record.
“Stay strong, hold on, and you’ll make it,” says Bob to his fellow Jamaicans.
In this time of need, any word spreading is much appreciated...
Media requests can be directed to Kevin Howes at voluntaryinnature at gmail dot com
PEACE
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