Who Is Eric Donaldson?
Eric Donaldson is a name that echoes through the hills of Jamaican music history. Known for his timeless anthem “Cherry Oh Baby,” Donaldson stands as a pillar of the roots reggae movement, blending sweet melodies with socially conscious lyrics and authentic rural charm.
Born in Bog Walk, St. Catherine, Jamaica, in 1947, his music captures the heart of the island—its joys, its struggles, and its indomitable spirit.
Early Career and Musical Roots
Donaldson launched his music career in 1964, recording early tracks for Studio One in Kingston—though these recordings were never released. Soon after, he formed the vocal group The West Indians with Leslie Burke and Hector Brooks. Under the guidance of producer J.J. Johnson, the group achieved a hit in 1968 with “Right on Time.”
A year later, they collaborated with the legendary Lee “Scratch” Perry, before renaming themselves The Killowatts. Despite their efforts, success remained elusive, and the group eventually disbanded after a series of obscure releases like “Slot Machine” and “Real Cool Operator.”
Determined to continue as a solo artist, Donaldson penned “Cherry Oh Baby” and entered it into the 1971 Festival Song Competition. The rest, as they say, is history—the song won the top prize, was released as a single, and became a local sensation. Its impact would later reach international audiences through covers by The Rolling Stones (Black and Blue, 1976) and UB40 (Labour of Love, 1983), securing Donaldson’s place in reggae’s global story.
Eric Donaldson and the Festival Song Legacy
Donaldson is a record seven-time winner of Jamaica’s Festival Song Competition—a national music contest that has helped define reggae’s role in shaping Jamaican identity. His repeated wins through the 1970s and 1980s reflect both his songwriting brilliance and his connection with the grassroots culture of the island.
Donaldson won the festival with these songs, tracks capture moments of pride, hope, and resilience in Jamaican society:
- Cherry Oh Baby (1971)
- Sweet Jamaica (1977)
- Land of My Birth (1978)
- Proud to Be Jamaican (1984)
- Big It Up (1993)
- Join Di Line (1995)
- Peace and Love (1997)
Eric Donaldson’s Style: Simplicity, Soul, and Roots
While many reggae artists leaned into dub or dancehall, Donaldson kept his sound grounded in classic roots reggae—acoustic guitars, steady one-drop rhythms, and warm vocal harmonies.
His music often speaks to themes of:
- Love and heartbreak
- Jamaican pride and nationalism
- Everyday life in rural Jamaica
He is the voice of the people—not flashy, not overproduced, just pure, soulful reggae.
Eric Donaldson has continued to perform into recent years, delighting audiences both in Jamaica and internationally, including a tour in Africa. His popularity in countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana highlights reggae’s enduring global appeal, and Donaldson’s role as one of its authentic messengers.
As of July 2025, Donaldson runs a small bar and chill spot in his hometown of Kent Village, near Bog Walk, St. Catherine, known as Cherry Oh Baby Bar—a tribute to his iconic song.
Cover image by Dave Reid through The Jamaica Information Service.
