Highly Anticipated Jay Douglas Documentary Play It Loud! -- How Toronto Got Soul Gets Special Advanced Sneak Preview Oct. 23 At Toronto's The Royal Theatre

Fri Oct 18, 2024

For much of the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Caribbean, Jamaican and reggae music scene in Toronto was almost unrivaled in North America in terms of quality and performers. Jay Douglas, lead singer of The Cougars and one of the biggest and brightest talents of that time, is the subject of a fantastic new TVO Original documentary entitled Play It Loud! -- How Toronto Got Soul. The documentary, directed by Graeme Mathieson, produced by Andrew Munger (Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band), and Executive Produced by Clement Virgo (Brother, The Wire) will have a special advance preview screening Oct. 23 at 630 PM at Toronto's The Royal Theatre (608 College Street) with limited tickets available to the public: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/play-it-loud-how-toronto-got-soul-sneak-pre…

Led To Love A Black History Month Celebration

Thu Jan 25 2024
The Legendary Jay Douglas

11:00am - Sunday, February 18th 2024
11:00am Worship Service at Verity Centre For Better Living - 449 Vaughan Road, Toronto
Guest Speakers: Eddie Bullen ~ Jazz Pianist; Dani Elwell and John Devenish ~ JAZZ.FM91
Guest Performers Drummers From The Community Verity Community Choir, Derrick Sweet & Son, and Kolette Easy

Jay Douglas first appeared on stage in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Throughout his time of entertaining, Jay has developed into an Internationally idolized musical renaissance man thanks to his wide-ranging repertoire of Reggae, American blues, West Indian rhythms, and jazz standards — including the Light in the Attic’s “From Jamaica to Toronto” concert series. In the late ’60s,

From One Legend To Another: Jay Douglas Pays Resounding Tribute to Dennis Brown with 'The World Is Troubled'

Fri Dec 15, 2023

In a world where treasured vocalists are born, covering a legend’s classic isn’t for the weak. More so a recreation of Dennis Brown’s reggae classic– an artist once christened by Bob Marley as one of the greatest reggae singers out there. And yet Jay Douglas’ re-embodiment of “The World Is Troubled” is a timely homage to the original.

Check out 'The World Is Troubled' on YouTube here:

The 17th Annual COMMFFEST Film & Arts Festival Confirmed For Sept 16-18 at St. Lawrence Centre

Fri Sep 16 2022
The 17th Annual COMMFFEST Film & Arts Festival Confirmed For Sept 16-18 at St. Lawrence Centre

An evening of music celebrating Canada's shared history with the US titled "A Tribute to Blues and Jazz" starring Jay Douglas and Kollage featuring Alexis Baro.

Singer Jay Douglas’ untold musical history is played out on stage with selections from his ground-breaking new album “Confession.”  The album was inspired by his love for Blues and Rhythm & Blues then a new music in post WWII America that was coming out of Memphis and New Orleans. All this music had a big impact on Jay as a young artist growing up in Jamaica and that influence would eventually travel with him to Canada. Jay has been awarded NOW Magazine’s Best R&B Act, the Annual Toronto Reggae Awards’ Male Reggae Vocalist of the Year, and the BBPA Harry Jerome Awards’ G98.7 Entertainment Award.

JUNO-Nominated & Award-Winning Canadian Reggae Icon Jay Douglas Releases “I’m In Love With You”

Fri Jun 24 2022
Jay Douglas

If you have a hankering for soulful blues and big band swing, then reggae icon Jay Douglas is the perfect choice of sweet, sweet symphony with his newest single, “I’m In Love With You” – check it out on YouTube here:

Following the release of a string of reggae singles, including “Stone In Love With You,” “Muschange,” and “Pattidemic,” Jay Douglas slows things down and takes a stroll down the bass line to deliver a smashing blues single – “I’m In Love With You.”

Jay Douglas has always had a strong connection with blues and jazz, which shows throughout this icon’s catalog. What makes “I’m In Love With You” special is its ability to transport the listener to a time when big bands were the norm and warmly embraced. Warm brass swells and slick guitar riffs draw the listener in, reminiscent of the appeal of jazz bars back in the 60s.

Cashbox Radio Christmas & Holiday Pick Hits Pt. 2

Fri Dec 10 2021
Cashbox Radio Christmas Pick Hits

With the holidays in full swing, radio is on high rotation of the usual Christmas hits and the nostalgic classics, but in keeping with our beliefs in giving Indies and Legendary artists to be played on the same shows we are doing a special Pick Hit list for the Holidays.

At Cashbox Canada and Cashbox Radio, we have been receiving some great new Christmas tunes and I would like to share the second round of Top Cashbox Radio Christmas Pick Hits that are now being played on Cashbox Radio.

We would really love if you give these songs a boost by listening to Cashbox Radio, and heading to our Request link here:
https://www.cashboxradio.ca/request-a-song-on-cashbox-radio/

Who knows? Maybe that future classic is right here on the Top Pick Hits – more to come next week!

Because at Cashbox Radio we believe someone has to play that future hit for the first time – and we want it to be us!

Reggae Legend Jay Douglas Goes Big-Band with Soulful New Holiday Single, “Merry Christmas”

Fri Dec 03 2021
Reggae Legend Jay Douglas

Jay Douglas revisits the classic Christmas tradition of big-band, soulful, crooner-esque Christmas songs that have swept the globe since radio started broadcasting holiday music with his new single, “Merry Christmas”.

Characteristic of Jay Douglas, “Merry Christmas” does a great job of painting a clear picture for the listener — all while feeling warm and inviting. The award-winning reggae legend’s unparalleled energy and charm culminates into the production that is “Merry Christmas” to create that perfect “back home for the holidays” feeling, with a dash of cinematic production traits. Watch it here on YouTube:

Legendary Award Winning & JUNO Nominated Canadian Reggae Master Jay Douglas Says Things “Muschange”

Fri Jul 17, 2020

Submitted by Sandy Graham

Multi-award winning and 2 x JUNO Award nominee Toronto-based reggae master Jay Douglas says things “Muschange” in this, his new double-single — available now from Slammin Media and distributed worldwide by Believe Distribution.

“‘Muschange’ means that nothing stays the same forever,” Douglas muses on the song’s meaning. “There must be a change, and it is happening right in front of our eyes. The greatest teacher of all is Mother Nature and the teacher will be there when the students show up for the lesson.

“We must not be afraid of changes, we must embrace it,” he adds. “As a collective, we have been forced to slow down the pace of which we live and it has given many a chance to reflect on the good in their lives and focus on what really matters.”

BTW Leahy, Black Puma, Good Lovelies, Jay Douglas, Kaia Kater, Tush, Ripped, Salvation Army Band, Recollectiv, Unison Holiday Schmoozefest, Joanne Powell

Fri Nov 29 2019
Leahy

You really should shout ‘cause Leahy band is coming to town. One of the country’s most highly regarded progressive folk-roots bands checks in at Hugh’s Room Live Nov.29/30. Music 8.30pm both nights.

The “Leahy sound” – a combination of strong stride piano, unique bass guitar and drumming styles along with driving rhythm guitar – was the foundation from which fiery fiddle led instrumentals and vocals were launched to mainstream music listeners. Leahy would go on to win three Juno awards and receive countless accolades for their dynamic and powerful performances. As well as touring extensively throughout Canada, the USA and Europe, the band had the enviable opportunity of opening for fellow Canadian, Shania Twain throughout the USA, Canada and the UK on her record-breaking Come On Over tour.

JUNO Award-Nominated & Award-Winning Reggae Master Jay Douglas Drops “Jah Children”

Fri Nov 15, 2019

JUNO Award-nominated and award-winning reggae and music master Jay Douglas drops “Jah Children” available now from Slammin Media and worldwide by Believe Distribution.

The track features iconic Jamaican dance hall DJ General Trees and a remix by JUNO Award-winning Canadian reggae artist Dubmatix.

Jay Douglas
Jay Douglas

As Douglas sings, “we live in a land, we got so much to give thanks for,” the track lands as an optimistic ode, aiming to shine light through the many social and political issues plaguing the world.

“Three years ago, I performed at a reggae festival in Toronto with General Trees as the headliner,” Douglas recalls how “Jah Children” and the collaboration came to be. “I was so impressed with his performance… He had the audience in his hands.

Jay Douglas & Chris Butcher Release An Anthem for Peace and Love

Fri May 19, 2017

Two of Toronto’s iconic musicians, reggae master and soulful singer Jay Douglas and outstanding trombonist/composer Chris Butcher (of the Heavyweights Brass Band), have teamed up to write, record, and release “Messengers,” an anthemic reggae single and video that aims to be the change we want to see in this world by spreading the word of peace and love. The two recorded an instrumental version as well, for more varied radio play.

If there’s anything we need more of in today’s world, it’s peace and love. Jay Douglas and Chris Butcher bring that essential truth to the fore, and remind us of our crucial roles in creating that spirit. As the beautiful lilt of the song carries its gentle but insistent spiritual message, they encourage us to "Rise above hate and fear / Don't be no chump." Interesting – and intentional – how “chump” rhymes with a name we all know. ;) As the song says, “We can build a bridge with peace and love.”