For photojournalist, radio host and music historian Steve James, lovers rock — which is hugely popular in the UK — is important because of its history, the emotion it evokes when played, and the essential chapter it holds in reggae’s global story.
James’ passion for lovers rock music will come alive on May 17 when the Jamaican-born, US-based promoter stages the second edition of Lovers Rock: A Night of British Reggae at Pon Top Seafood Grill & Bar in Kingston, an event dedicated this year to two iconic figures of the genre — Bitty McLean and Vivian Jones.
For James, the event is not simply another music showcase. It is a carefully curated celebration of a sound that helped define generations of reggae lovers, especially within the diaspora.
“My love for our music is first and foremost,” James explained. “Learning who played what, where, and the occasions are all very important to me.”
That sentiment captures the essence of the event.
Lovers rock, which emerged in Britain during the 1970s, gave reggae a softer, romantic, deeply soulful expression that resonated far beyond the UK. At the center of that movement was Jamaican-born Vivian Jones, who migrated to Britain in the late 1960s and built a formidable catalog blending roots reggae consciousness with tender balladry. Songs such as Sugar Love and Strong Love helped establish Jones as one of the movement’s defining voices.
Bitty McLean, who was born to Jamaican parents in the UK, has used his polished vocals and crossover appeal to help usher lovers rock into a new era. His interpretations of Walk Away From Love and The Real Thing, alongside his broader catalog, earned admiration in both Britain and Jamaica. James’ decision to honor McLean was strengthened after seeing the singer perform live at the funeral service for reggae drum legend Sly Dunbar.
“This was my first time seeing Bitty perform, though I have been watching him perform on YouTube and in video clips from even before his big hit,” James said.
He came away deeply impressed.
“Bitty is the consummate performer. He was very good and commanded the audience. He begged them to stand up in respect for Sly and everyone followed.”
For James, the performance confirmed McLean’s stature.
“His performance was simply outstanding,” he said. “It was his first time performing in Jamaica, so for those who were seeing him for the first time, it was a pleasure and they did show him the love. It is no surprise why Sly and Robbie took him under their wings.”
Over the past decade, James has established himself as one of reggae’s most dedicated documentarians. He has quietly been preserving pivotal moments in Jamaica’s music culture through still photography and video, both in Jamaica and across diaspora communities in the United States.
“Yes, I have been doing it for a number of years,” he said. “Locally, we don’t do so well with documentation and wait until someone from overseas comes and shows us what they have documented. I am just here to play my part.”
It is a role he has embraced with seriousness and purpose.
“A lot of information is usually expressed at funerals by friends and loved ones and in the eulogy,” he noted. “I try to capture everything from start to finish to tell a story. Even the program sometimes has valuable information or photos that not many have seen or heard.”
That eye for history and appreciation for context make James far more than a photographer. He has become, in many ways, a quiet archivist of reggae culture. Now he has channeled his passion and love for the music into lovers rock, a genre he treasures.
Music selectors will spin lovers rock favorites throughout the night for connoisseurs who appreciate the genre’s rich legacy. For James, however, the night represents something even larger.
“It is about preservation of the music and another effort to ensure reggae’s stories are remembered properly,” he shared.
