(December 29, 2025) The world that Roberta Flack lived in when she recorded the song “Trade Winds” in 1971 is like the place we occupy in 2025. That’s one reason that Jo Harman decided to remake the tune that stands as a protest for the injustices and cruelties that fall heaviest on the young people of the world, and a plea for love, peace and understanding.
Harman, an English singer, has been drawn to American soul music from the 1960s and 70s, and plenty of legends from that era used their platform as singers to make songs of social commentary. Harman has released two remakes that were featured as First Listen songs, “Someday We’ll All Be Free” and “Don’t Give Up on Me.” She returns with a heartfelt and soulful rendition of “Trade Winds,” a song penned by Ralph McDonald and William Salter and performed by Flack.
Vocally, Harman has stylings that are similar to Flack’s. Her vocal instrument is soothing, even as she sings with urgency a song that has an important message. That style ensures that listeners will hear the tune’s message about a world in transition that is leaving many people behind. The question remains whether humanity has the will to change the construct. Check out our World Premiere of Jo Harman’s rendition of “Trade Winds” here.
By Howard Dukes
