Sir Willard wants to come back home

... Bass-baritone promises fun at concert to raise funds for the arts

Marcia Rowe, Sunday Gleaner Writer

Sir Willard White is known and admired for his powerful voice and his commanding stage presence, but had it not been for happy accidents, perhaps he would not have reached such heights. Recently, at a reception held at the residence of High Commissioner, His Excellency Howard Drake, he spoke to The Sunday Gleaner about the moment that started his singing career, his Knighthood, his journey to England and more.

According to one of Sir Willard's proud friends, Professor Errol Morrison, president of the University of Technology and one of the guests at the reception, "talent can be discovered in a variety of ways."

The professor spoke in reference to how his friend's illustrious career in music began.

Professor Morrison also explained that his and White's friendship goes as far back as when the two were at Excelsior High School and involved in sport.

"Bigga, that's what White was called, use to throw the shot putt. He was quite muscular and strong."

But although Morrison was some years ahead of White, he knew the story about White's discovery as a singer by the school's German music teacher.

Sir White concurred and filled in the blanks. He admitted that he was called "Bigga". And he explained what happened in the now-famous music class.

"I was singing out louder than the other students." His teacher, upon learning the owner of the voice asked him to see her after class. His classmates thought he was in trouble. Instead, he said he was surprised that she asked him to represent his house in the school's inter-house music competition.

"I was struck that she thought I could represent my house," White said in his rich baritone voice. Not only did he win the competition but also earned a scholarship to the Jamaica School of Music, then located on Hope Road. But did he give up sport for music?

"There was no transition from sport to music. I was on the track-team and loved to sing. In fact he was instrumental in having a number of boys joining the choir while he was on the team. While he did not win a medal at champs for his school at either shot putt and discus, the events he took part in, he remained in sport for all his high school life.

In 1968, he left Jamaica for New York to continue his studies at the famed Juilliard School. Some years later, he was invited to an audition in England, with the intention of spending three years. That was 35 years ago.

Sir Willard has performed in a number of countries at concerts and in operas. And he has many memorable moments.

Memorable performances

"Oh my gosh ... I have had quite a few memorable performances," he said with a chuckle.

But one of his most memorable accounts was when he made his debut in New York and he was literally pushed in the back to make his entrance onto the stage.

"It was one of those situations where you either sink or swim. And I decided I would swim."

That incident also influenced his decision to leave New York.

But does he have any regrets?

"I don't have regrets. What is the point?" he said.

"I use to have, but that was when I did things out of doubt," he added.

The father and older brother, goes by the title Sir Willard White. He said his knighthood was not something he worked for.

He does not know much except that he was nominated, and remembered being in New York when he got the call.

Speaking of the United Kingdom, Sir Willard also chimed in on the riots which have affected England over the past few days.

"In a way it is frightening and something has to be done. Time and time again young people feel marginalised. I think we need to listen more and more to young people," he said.

"I d like to encourage young people in Jamaica that they are significant in their society," he continued.

So would he like to return to Jamaica to live?

The internationally acclaimed bass-baritone said he would like to return to Jamaica one day, but for now he wants to continue to sing.

Sir Willard is in Jamaica at the invitation of the Arts Foundation of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts as a performer at their fund-raising concert scheduled for today. And what does he promise for the concert?

"I can't predict what will happen, but my intention is to first of all, for me to have fun, and then the audience will be encouraged to have fun. And I am sure that no one will be going there to have a bad time - so we will have a good dance together."