A Look at Montreal's Hot R&B Singer Carl Henry Special

There's a new star in the R&B scene, Montreal's Carl Henry. Henry has earned a Juno nomination for Best R&B/ Soul recording of the Year for his debut album.

His latest work All That I Know will be in stores by early 2010 once again intoxicating listeners with his "soul infused pop" styling. Born in Jamaica, Carl Henry was raised in Montreal. He has hit the Montreal scene promoting the French version of his debut album. Before setting to work on his second album Henry released the singles "My Homie's Girl", "Bare As She Dare" (featuring Ce'cile), and "Hot Gal" (featuring Rally Bop). Each of those hits were nominated for Junos. Henry then hit the studio to put together his second album I Wish. It emerged ready to take listeners to new heights in 2005. For two years Henry worked on his third album All That I Know. The album explores life, love and the ups and downs that go along with it. Helping Henry was Cecil Collins, his manager and the CEO of CeSoul Music. Collins and Henry added to their team Craig Groove, who has also worked with Chris Brown and Nelly, and Will Guice, a songwriter that has worked with Usher, Boyz II Men and Bootsy Collins. Producer Red One also was a part of the album, capturing Henry's vocal in their true essence.

"With the forthcoming album, I wanted to create something classic; a real revelation of my musical range. I wanted no limits on the album. My music is for everyone and I want TRIPPIN' (the first single) to be embraced as such."

special permission by Carl Henry

Carl Henry

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Carl took time out of his busy schedule to talk with Digital Journal. Carl honed his craft as a child singing gospel in church. His grandmother guided his early foray into gospel music letting him know that he was talented and that his talent would take him places. Gospel is still a huge part of Carl's life. "Gospel influenced me. My roots are in the gospel music. It's part of who I am. It's like good old soul music, the early music I listened to. My music is parts of all of these different elements. My grandmother pushed me to be a star. I just loved being there in church, in the choir singing. The music changes your being." Another big part of Carl's music is his roots from Jamaica. He left the islands when he was five to move to Canada but goes back whenever he can. In fact some of his early videos were filmed on the island. "The video for Hommie's Girl was shot in Jamaica. The song is about taking a friend's girl. I was aware of the air play I was getting in Jamaica but it really hit home one day when I was at a gas station there. These two girls came up to me and knew who I was! They loved the song but debated with me about the story. It was great seeing that they got into the music and were so impassioned by it. Plus it was like, "Oh wow! I have fans!" Knowing that people connect with the music is such a great boost as an artist." Carl went on to say that he hopes to get back to the island soon, "I need to get back and reconnect with the island and the people."

special permission by Carl Henry

Carl Henry in Toronto for Caribana. He was a guest of the Toronto Police Department's Youth in Motion program.

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Carl has been professional in the music business for about ten years. Those years have been packed with studio time and a lot of touring. He has covered Canada from coast to coast along with much of the United States and Europe. His music is licensed in over 40 countries around the world. I asked Carl what it was like being nominated for the Junos. "It was wonderful and completely unexpected. I know everyone says it is an honour just to be nominated but it really was. The competition was so intense that year, too. Being nominated by my peers was a huge compliment and an affirmation. You can really use the honour in so many areas in the business." Carl Henry was recently in Toronto for Caribana. He was a featured guest for the Toronto Police's Youth in Motion program. "I had a really good time at Caribana. It was nice to be part of such a great program. The kids work with the Toronto police during the summer. I really enjoyed my time in Toronto."

special permission by Carl Henry

Carl Henry at Caribana 2009 in Toronto.

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Henry has an incredible amount of passion for his music. It's also nice to report that he's a really nice man who's on top of his game. His soon to be released album is sure to be a hit. This could be the one that wins the Juno for him.