Norma Fraser is a legendary Jamaican reggae singer with a deep connection to Bob Marley and the Marley family. She was born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1954 and grew up in the city’s Trench Town ghetto listening to the vibrant musical culture of Jamaica, and developed an early interest in singing.
The first song that Norma Fraser recorded was a tune called “We’ll Be Lovers,” a duet with Lord Creator, in 1961. The song was an instant hit and stayed on the Jamaican charts for over a year. She also recorded a tune with Lord Creator called “Come On Baby,” and both songs were recorded for Vincent Chin on the Randy’s label. But all of Norma Fraser’s subsequent songs were recorded at Studio One for Coxsone Dodd.
Her version of “The First Cut Is the Deepest,” penned by Cat Stevens, was a hit and made Norma an overnight sensation. It was a Studio One recording released as the A side of the Coxsone label 45 rpm disc CS 7017, also being subsequently released on various Studio One compilation LPs and CDs.
Norma Fraser’s career continued to blossom with the release of her debut album, “The Best of Norma Fraser,” in 1969. This album featured a selection of her favorite reggae and ska songs, as well as some original material. The album was well-received and Norma gained a solid fan base. She followed this success with the album “The Best of Norma Fraser Volume 2,” which featured a mix of reggae, ska, and soul.
In the late 1980s, Norma Fraser moved to the United States and continued to record music. She released the album “Love & Devotion” in 1995, which featured a mix of reggae, jazz, and R&B. This album was well received and Norma continued to tour and perform for years to come.
She regularly performs on the west coast and she resides in Oregon. She has released a number of solo albums in recent years including “Get Up Stand Up,” “One More Chance,” “C’mon Baby,” and “Hot Again” on her own label, Gyftt Records. She says, “I’m getting back to my music now because over the past years, so many people have come up to me to tell me how the music has bettered their lives. They’ve encouraged me to come back. I’m more mature now and truly understand how music can bring joy to people’s lives.”
