| by Neil Burke
George Banton, Gemini, was born in the Parish of St.Elizabeth,
Jamaica, West Indies.During his early childhood, George sang in
his hometown church choir at the United Brethren In Christ Church.
Later, he started singing solo in numerous churches throughout the
island, including the Church of God of Prophecy, the New Testament
Church of God, and the Santa Cruz Baptist Church, among others.
At the age 18, George learned to play the guitar and formed his
own Gospel group, "The Hope Brothers". After two years,
George left the Hope Brothers and moved to Kingston.
In 1970, he decided to venture into a different arena; he wrote
and produced a Reggae tune called "I'm a Lonely Boy".
The song did not make the chart. He realized his strength was in
gospel and Soul music. One night while in concert at an Omara Rd
Church, Mr. Lawrence, the director of the "Gospel Light Band"
- the number one gospel group in the country- auditioned George
and immediately contracted him to join the group. This was the turning
point in George's Life.
In 1972, George was involved with two groups that emerged from
the split of the Gospel Light Band. First, "The Insight Gospel
Group", and ultimately "The Grace Thrillers", where
he became lead singer.
In 1973, the Grace Thrillers recorded their first Gospel hit, "Too
Late Shall be Your Cry", which was written by George, and it
became the number one Gospel hit song in the country. The group
went on to record five additional singles, and made another hit
with "It's Just About Time".
In 1974, the Grace Thrillers produced their first Gospel album
called "I've Got a Love", which was released through the
Caribbean, Canada, Europe, and the USA. In that year, George continued
to sing with both groups until 1976, when he migrated to Canada.
Upon his arrival in Canada, George started on the same course.
He donated his time and the entire proceeds from his concerts to
numerous church charities.
In 1977, George formed a 7-piece Gospel band called "The Bantons".
The group recorded and released their first single, called "Glory
to his Name" on the Love Light Label. Unfortunately, the group
dissolved in 1980.
George decided to take a new lease on life after overcoming many
emotional trials in his personal relationships. Through this, his
cousin, Ronnie Williams suggested that he record "Faithful
and True", and R&B song that perfectly suited his situation.
Initially, Banton hesitated to cross-over, torn by his devotion
to serve god and to sing Gospel Music exclusively.
"Faithful and True", George Banton's first departure
from Gospel music, stayed at #1 on the Canadian Charts for 10 weeks
in 1981. Many of the lyrics in the song relate closely to Christian
themes, and to his surprise, the gospel overtones of the recording
attributed greatly to its success.
Up until the early 90's, George experienced international success
with his departure from Gospel music, releasing 9 albums and being
honored with two Juno nominations. But George was still not satisfied.
He knew that his true calling was to serve god. During his departure
from Gospel music, he maintained his religious beliefs and standards,
applying them to the material he chose, the venues he performed,
and the life he led.
One night, a revelation came to him as he slept. He dreamt he was
in his home town of Burnt Savana, St.Elizabeth, on the Island of
Jamaica, visiting with his friends and family. A crazy old Woman
approached them, with a strong warning for George. A warning from
God. He was to turn his life around, he was to "pick up the
cross" and follow the Lord. Since that defining moment, George
Banton realized that the Lord has called him to do His work.
Amid criticism and speculation, George marked his return to Gospel
music by recording "Jesus is Everything to Me". This,
along with his second come-back album, "Oh How Sweet it is
to Walk with Jesus ( A tribute to his mother )", George has
experienced renewed success as a Gospel singer that is totally committed
to Gospel music.
George is thankful to the Lord for sheltering him through the years,
and for giving him another chance to live FOR HIM.
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