The City of Boston has officially declared August 13 as Beres Hammond Day, honoring the Jamaican reggae singer whose soulful love songs have captivated audiences worldwide for decades.
The proclamation was presented at Hammond’s sold-out performance at the Wilbur Theatre by Jamaican-American Bianca Rose, the city’s Caribbean Cultural Advisor, on behalf of Mayor Michelle Wu.
“August 13th is officially Beres Hammond Day in Boston, long live the king of lovers rock!” Rose wrote on Instagram, reflecting on the honor and her personal connection to Hammond’s music. “Beres Hammond is arguably everyone’s favorite, the voice that can turn a room full of strangers into one big family. His music is pure soul, pure love, and pure reggae magic, uniting generations and cultures effortlessly.”
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Beres Hammond, often hailed as the “King of Lovers Rock,” has been a mainstay of the reggae scene for over four decades. Born in Jamaica in 1955, Hammond first gained recognition in the late 1970s with hits like “I Feel Good” and “What One Dance Can Do”. Over the years, his smooth, emotive voice and heartfelt lyrics have earned him international acclaim, with songs such as “Tempted to Touch”, “Rockaway”, and “You Stand Alone” becoming staples of reggae and lovers rock music. He has performed across the globe, influencing generations of artists and bringing Jamaican music to audiences far beyond the Caribbean.
For Boston, Hammond is more than just a performer; he has been a beloved fixture in the city’s Caribbean cultural scene for decades. Rose shared that attending Hammond’s concerts has been a personal tradition, one she inherited from her father, who worked with reggae legends like Everton Blender, Frankie Paul, and Richie Spice. “I could have never imagined being in a position to give this honor, but it was one of the proudest moments of my life,” she said.
The official proclamation not only celebrates Hammond’s musical legacy but also recognizes his role in connecting communities through reggae music. August 13 will now serve as an annual tribute to his enduring impact on both Boston and the global music scene.
