Friday September 11, 2009

Ageless crooner and Excelsior Alumnus Derrick Harriott (class of '58) is among a coterie of individuals selected for National Awards by the Government of Jamaica at this year's Heroes Day celebration in October.

 Derrick will be recognised with the Order of Distinction (OD), officer class, by virtue of his service and contribution in the field of music, having been deemed to have had “a meaningful and significant impact on national life".

When contacted by AgeNotes for a response to the significance of the award, the pioneer singer noted, "It is a pleasure to be finally recognised by the nation although it has been a long time coming.  It’s never too late for a shower of rain"

With refreshing frankness, the veteran singer/writer/producer expressed slight disappointment that he had been overlooked over the years while others who have contributed a fraction of what he had, are routinely given official recognition by the Government of Jamaica. However he felt grateful and honoured that the award, however late, finally came his way.

A nephew of Excelsior’s Founder Dr. Hon A.W. Powell, Derrick got his start at Excelsior where, as a student, he formed a duo, Sang & Harriott, with schoolmate Claude Sang Jr. Derrick later was a part of another singing group, the Jiving Juniors, with Eugene Dwyer, Herman Sang, and Maurice Winter.

Since his early venture into music, Derrick has cut a swath through the entertainment landscape of Jamaica; first as a singer / song writer then later as a record producer and entrepreneur. After branching out into producing records Derrick was the first to give the young Dennis Brown a chance at a recording career and was also instrumental in giving many other aspiring singers much needed professional guidance and exposure.

The National Awards will be presented on Heroes Day, Monday October 19, 2009 on the lawn of Kings House by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen.