Howard Sweetness was fully aware of his musical talent when he began making guitars from herring tins.

“These tins were much larger than most sardine tins. I had to get fish lines, which were similar to those found on the original guitars, to make different notes at the strike of a finger. Mom is the one who would bring home these empty tins, and I would be happy to get them.”

“Seeing her son with his makeshift guitar would prompt mom and dad to say, “Boy, you are going to be a great entertainer!” and I would love to have them repeating these words over and over.”

Howard Sweetness’ mother would bring him to church and it was a pleasure to hear his fine notes as he played the guitar and sang his favourite songs. He became quite popular at church, often leading the junior choir at concerts.

Very soon, Howard Sweetness was in a small room with a microphone and a headset recording.
The link came from one of his friends and that opportunity to meet record producer Donovan Germain at Penthouse Recording studio. There he recorded, ‘Lady Of My Life’, a true-to-life experience.

“I went to Sugar Minott’s Youthman Promotion which was amazing.”

The excitement of pitching a new song continued at the Waterhouse-based King Jammys Recording studio, then at Paul Elliot’s where he recorded three songs, one being ‘Mix Up’. Howard Sweetness knew producer Peter Baugh who owned a record shop.

“I worked with Baugh recording ‘Jezebel’ on the Thornton record label. The second was, ‘Tell Laura I Love Her’, a favourite of his deceased wife. She loved that song and asked me to promise never to stop doing music.”

“I am still living up to that expectation because I would love to make her proud, even in death.”

(Photo contributed)