Reggae Icon J.C. Lodge Reflects on Untapped Vocal Potential

Veteran Reggae singer J.C. Lodge has opened up about a lingering “what if” in her illustrious career – the underutilized potential of her natural voice. In a recent interview with Television Jamaica’s Anthony Miller, Lodge, renowned for her signature falsetto, revealed a curiosity about the unexplored depths of her natural singing range.

The conversation began with Miller prompting Lodge to reflect on lessons learned throughout her career. “One of the things I wonder about sometimes is my voice,” Lodge confessed. “I don’t have a powerful voice, you know? Just this – this falsetto thing. I think that’s all I ever developed because I never had any formal training.”

Lodge chuckled as she recounted a studio experience with producer Pam Hall. “I remember telling Pam about this, and she said, ‘Let me hear your natural voice.’ So I sang for her, and she goes, ‘Oh honey, that’s a big, rough voice!’ Because I never used it, it’s completely undeveloped. The falsetto is where I feel most comfortable.”

Despite this unfulfilled curiosity, Lodge expressed admiration for artists like Etana, known for their vocal versatility. “There’s a part of me that wishes I could belt out a tune like that,” she admitted. “But I also know people appreciate what I bring to the table. So I embrace what I have and make the most of it.”

J.C. Lodge’s impressive career boasts 14 albums and a string of unforgettable hits, including “Someone Loves You Honey,” “Telephone Love,” and “More Than I Can Say.” Born to a Jamaican father and a British mother, Lodge’s musical journey began with an immersion in R&B and Reggae during her childhood in Jamaica. Though initially drawn to art and drama, her love for performing blossomed through high school concerts. An influential relationship with songwriter Errol O’Meally ultimately steered her towards a career in music.

Following a brief setback in the 1980s, Lodge returned triumphantly in 1985 with the song “Revealed.” Signing with Gussie Clarke’s Music Works label, she released “I Believe in You” in 1987, followed by the breakthrough Dancehall hit “Telephone Love” in 1988. This genre-bending song not only propelled Lodge to international fame but also attracted the attention of the rap-focused Tommy Boy label.

Lodge’s sole album for Tommy Boy, Tropic of Love, arrived in 1992. The album’s lead single, “Home Is Where the Hurt Is” (penned by Lodge herself), became her biggest US success, reaching No. 45 on the Billboard Hip-Hop/R&B Songs chart. J.C. Lodge’s legacy as a Reggae innovator continues to inspire, and her story serves as proof of the power of embracing your unique artistic voice.