Artist page · 05/07/2026
About
Seven vinyl albums including '1000 Volts of Holt'; prized LPs show rising collector interest.
John Holt is recognized for his smooth vocal style and long career in Jamaican music. Beginning as leader of rocksteady group The Paragons in 1965, he embarked on a solo path with the 1970 release of his debut album. He is linked to timeless reggae interpretations and original compositions, switching in the late 70s to lovers rock style. His catalog includes studio albums, compilations, and notable reggae hits.
Collectors value original pressings of his 1973 album '1000 Volts of Holt' and its sequels for their interpretative covers of popular songs. Later works like 'Police In Helicopter' (1983) and 'Reggae Heights' (2000) illustrate his evolving sound and sustained influence in reggae music into the new millennium.
Discography
Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.
Mafia And Fluxy · 2000
Jet Star Phonographics · 1998
Gong Sounds Records · 1992
Moodies Records · 1990
Gold Disc · 1990
Greensleeves Records · 1989
Sonic Sounds · 1986
Greensleeves Records · 1983
CSA Records · 1982
Jackpot · 1980
Sonic Sounds · 1979
Dynamic Sounds · 1978
Channel One · 1977
Justice · 1977
Weed Beat · 1976
Klik · 1976
Trojan Records · 1976
Trojan Records · 1974
Lord Koos · 1974
Moodisc Records · 1973
Trojan Records · 1973
Trojan Records · 1973
Trojan Records · 1972
Melodisc · 1972
Studio One · 1971
Dynamic Sounds · 1971
Jaguar · 1971
Studio One · 1970
Very Good Music · 
Treasure Isle · 
Live And Love · 
Trojan Records · 
Clarendon Sound · 
Trojan Records · Playlist
The tracks that sum up John Holt's career.
The essentials
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
A definitive compilation of reggae covers performed by John Holt. This album remains a cornerstone for reggae collectors and enthusiasts.
The album featuring its politically charged title track showcases Holt's cutting lyrical style and reggae sound of the 80s.
This album reflects Holt's continued recording activity in the 2000s with influences of dancehall merged with classic reggae.
Go further
Artists who share part of John Holt's musical DNA.
Collectors
The hidden side of the catalogue: rare pressings, sought-after matrices, Discogs values.
For each reference edition, these cards summarise the state of the global Discogs market. Market position places the average price of a copy between the observed min and max prices. Average price is the price seen for a mint-condition copy. Copies available counts listings currently for sale. Collectors who want it is the number of Discogs users who added it to their wantlist without owning it — a good signal of upcoming demand.
The “Why this rarity” column comes from our upstream sourcing work: for each album, we explain what makes this pressing sought after by collectors (limited run, specific matrix, withdrawn edition…).
Face B
Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.
John Holt's smooth delivery and emotive vocals defined a unique era of reggae music.— Reggae Music Enthusiast
John Holt became the lead of the rocksteady group The Paragons after Bob Andy left in 1965, leading the band through key recordings in the genre's formative years.
The 1973 LP '1000 Volts of Holt' is a widely sought compilation of covers arranged in reggae and reggae-pop styles, available in at least eight different vinyl pressings.
The politically themed track 'Police In Helicopter' from the 1983 album carries 10 songs and remains a staple in reggae music collections, with several vinyl versions circulating.
Continuing active recording into the new millennium, Holt's 2000 album 'Reggae Heights' blends dancehall styles with his traditional reggae influences.
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
John Holt was a Jamaican singer primarily known for reggae, rocksteady, and lovers rock from the 1960s to early 2000s.
Key albums include '1000 Volts of Holt' (1973), 'Police In Helicopter' (1983), and 'Reggae Heights' (2000), all prized by collectors.
This 1973 album features reggae covers of popular songs, showcasing Holt's smooth vocal style and influence within reggae.
He was born in Kingston, Jamaica, which influenced his development in reggae and rocksteady music.
Most John Holt vinyl releases are LPs, with some including original pressings and reissues on various labels.
Yes, there are vinyl pressings from Jamaica, the UK, Netherlands, and other countries, reflecting his global reach.
Prices vary from roughly 6 to 26 euros depending on rarity and condition, with some albums like 'Police In Helicopter' at the higher end.
Check label information, catalogue numbers, and pressing details like release year and country, especially for sought-after original pressings.
Transparency
This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.
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