From winning the first Tastee Talent Contest in 1979 as a precocious pre-teen to her imminent steps across the immaculate lawns of King’s House where she will pick up the Order of Distinction on National Heroes Day, Nadine Sutherland’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Sutherland, whose hallmark is a combination of quiet dignity and solid professionalism, has maintained a huge presence on the entertainment scene since her sojourn which started more than four decades ago. And her seasons just seem to keep getting better.
What could arguably be her crowning glory came on Independence Day, August 6, with the announcement that the Government of Jamaica was inducting Nadine Simone Theresa Sutherland in the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer for her contribution to the development of Jamaican music. Upon hearing this, the singer and songwriter was overwhelmed with emotion. “My neighbour came to me and said they were trying to call me from the Office of the Prime Minister.
In my head, they were calling me about some Grand Gala ticket. I totally forgot that dem do dem somm’n yah at this time,” a candid Sutherland told The Sunday Gleaner . “When I got the call, mi just start scream and bawl at the same time.
I just bawled. I was just crying. Then my neighbour came in and hugged me and said, ‘You are so deserving.
’ I kept it down because I know they had to announce it. But I just want to big up my family ..
. I have an amazing family. My cousin Miche.