The original song was fronted by Teddy Pendergrass as the vocalist and the song’s poignant lyrics address enduring societal concerns, remaining pertinent in the present times.”Wake Up Everybody” climbed to the top of Billboard’s R&B chart and secured the 12th position on the Hot 100 chart and stands as one of Teddy Pendergrass’s last contributions before embarking on a solo career that would soon set remarkable records.
In 2010 John Legend and The Roots did “Wake Up,” a remix of the song as the lead single for their joint album with vocals from Melanie Fiona and a guest verse from Common.
With the song’s strong legacy, Shadracq, real name Ainsworth Prendagast releases “Wake Up Everybody” produced by Phil Watkis Friday (August 11, 2023) with a reggae twist. He talks with World Music Views about the process of making the song.
What inspired you to choose “Wake Up Everybody” for a reggae cover?
I chose this cover version because it has a message and I understand the message, so I has a reggae artist want to refresh the song to the people’s mind in a reggae vibe. it’s time for us to wake up and get involved with our kids, our family and do the best we can for the future.
How did you incorporate reggae elements into the song while maintaining its original essence?
Years ago I met Dennis Brown at a studio Downtown Kingston Jamaica. We had a wonderful conversation and he said If I am going to do another person’s song, I have to try my best to make it a better version or sound like the original version. So just for that bit of time talking with the legend, I keep that thought in mind when making covers.
Were there any particular reggae artists or bands that influenced your version of the cover?
Over thirty-five years ago I had this in mind when I first heard the song. My dad brought home the teddy Pendergast album from America and from that day I learn the words of the song and wanted to cover it with my own music. The message is well written.
Can you tell us about the process of arranging and recording the reggae cover?
Every single thing about this song comes out very easy. I never had to write this song, I just learned it and it’s just fits everything that goes on in the world today, the arrangements and recording was already done so we just made little changes in the punch line and put my style to it. It comes out very bright and I love it and I know the world is going to love it as well.
“Wake Up Everybody” has strong soul and R&B roots. How did you bridge the gap between these genres and reggae?
The soul of R&B roots is also the same as reggae because they take into consideration the hearts of the people, then the beats comes between. But the lyrics are the same as well I could use the lyrics of reggae and sing to R&B beats and you would say well done. So it’s how you want the song to be made.
Did you explore any additional lyrical changes or adaptations to fit the reggae style and message?
Yes, I did explore an interesting piece of lyrics. Listen and you will hear it.
Reggae music often carries social and spiritual themes. How did you infuse these aspects into your reggae rendition of the song?
I am always a social person, loved all the great people I met and always speak with anyone who interested to have a wonderful conversation with me. When we are having a conversation, we must be spiritual between us so we remove from negativity and conflict. That’s why spiritual life practices should be celebrated in the music industry.
