Guyanese-British singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Eddy Grant was born 76 years ago as Edmond Montague Grant in Plaisance, is married and has 4 children.
Eddy was still a kid when his parents emigrated to the UK for working purposes whilst he still attended school in Guyana. When he was 12 years old, he moved to the UK as well and continued his studies at a secondary school where he learnt to read and write music. He was hugely influenced by singer Chuck Berry and even managed to see him in one of his performances, leading him to his decision of pursuing a music career.
At the age of 17, Eddy formed the group ‘The Equals’, who released 2 albums and had a minor hit single ‘I get so Excited’. Then, in 1968, they enjoyed a big international hit named ‘Baby Come Back’, which was written by Eddy himself. By the end of 1970, the band had 5 more UK Top 40 hits. Apart from his group, Grant collaborated with other artists both as songwriter and producer.
On New Year’s Day 1971, Eddy had a heart attack as well as a collapsed lung, which led him to abandon the band and eventually focus on production. He opened his own record studio and even learnt to tap dance.
In 1975, Grant released his debut album which, however, was not very successful, and likewise, his second one issued 2 years later. Hi career breakthrough arrived with his third album and featured the UK hit single ‘Living on the Frontline’.
In 1982, Eddy moved to Barbados and opened another recording studio. This decade proved more successful as he had 3 big international hits: ‘I don’t wanna Dance’, ‘Electric Avenue’ and ‘Gimme Hope Jo’anna’.
In the last 3 decades, Grant had 16 more albums and 3 singles. He has also performed in several events like festivals and concerts. Eddy received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Guyana Government in 2016.
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