Junior Giscombe

Junior Giscombe English singer-songwriter, best known for his 1982 transatlantic hit single, "Mama Used to Say." Born Norman Washington Giscombe in London, he is considered one of the pioneers of modern UK soul and R&B and one of the first British R&B artists to achieve success in the United States. His career began in the late 1970s, and prior to his solo breakthrough, he served as a backing vocalist for the band Linx between 1980 and 1982. "Mama Used to Say" reached No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart and was a Top 5 R&B hit in the US, earning him a "Best Newcomer" award from Billboard magazine, presented by James Brown.

Following the success of his debut album, Ji (1982), Giscombe continued to maintain a varied and prolific career as both a performer and a songwriter. His discography includes several albums, such as Inside Lookin' Out and his recent work, Everyting Set. He achieved another UK Top 10 hit in 1987 with the duet "Another Step (Closer to You)" alongside Kim Wilde. Beyond his own recording, Junior has been a successful songwriter and producer for other artists, including Sheena Easton, Maxi Priest, and The Lighthouse Family, the latter for whom he co-wrote tracks for their multi-million-selling debut album, Ocean Drive. His famous song, "Mama Used to Say," has remained influential, being covered by artists like Beverley Knight and sampled by various hip-hop acts, including Warren G and Heavy D & the Boyz.