June Carol Lodge, professionally known as J.C. Lodge, was born on 1 December 1958 in Kensington, London, England, to a Jamaican father and British mother. She moved to Jamaica during her childhood, where she developed a deep appreciation for music, influenced by artists such as The Beatles, as well as R&B and reggae genres.
Her musical journey began unexpectedly during her high school years when her partner, Errol O’Meally, introduced her to Joe Gibbs’ Recording Studio. This led to her recording a reggae rendition of Charley Pride’s country hit “Someone Loves You, Honey” in 1980. The song achieved remarkable success, topping the Jamaican charts and becoming the best-selling single of 1982 in the Netherlands.
Following this breakthrough, Lodge released the album “Revealed” in 1985. She then collaborated with producer Gussie Clarke’s Music Works label, resulting in albums such as “I Believe in You” (1987) and “Selfish Lover” (1990). Her 1988 single “Telephone Love” was particularly significant, as it was among the first dancehall tracks to cross over into the R&B and hip-hop markets in the United States, earning her a contract with Tommy Boy Records and expanding her international presence.
Throughout her career, Lodge demonstrated versatility by blending reggae with pop, urban soul, dancehall, lovers rock, and even country music. Her discography includes notable albums such as “Tropic of Love” (1992), “To the Max” (1993), and “Special Request” (1995). Beyond music, she is an accomplished painter, having exhibited in Kingston art galleries, and has acted in several theatre productions.
In the early 2000s, Lodge returned to England and continued her artistic pursuits, including recording children’s music and literature. Her contributions to reggae music have been profound, influencing a generation of artists and expanding the genre’s global reach.
As she celebrates her 66th birthday, J.C. Lodge remains a cherished figure in the reggae community, her legacy marked by innovation, cross-cultural appeal, and unwavering dedication to her craft.
