George Banton

George Banton is a Jamaican-Canadian gospel singer who has built a career marked by versatility and a consistent return to his spiritual roots. Born in the Parish of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, he began singing as a child in his hometown church choir at the United Brethren in Christ. At age eighteen, he formed a gospel group called The Hope Brothers, and in the early 1970s he joined the Gospel Light Band. He later served as the lead singer for the well-known gospel group The Grace Thrillers.

Banton migrated to Canada in 1976. The following year, he formed a seven-piece gospel band known as The Bantons, which recorded songs including “Glory To His Name.” In the 1980s, he released solo material in the R&B style. During this period, his song “Faithful and True” reached number one on the Canadian charts in 1981. In 1982, “How Could I Let You Get Away” topped the music chart in Toronto, and in 1984 “Honey I Will Survive” also reached number one on the Toronto chart. His song “No One Can Love Me Like You Do” received a nomination for a Canadian Juno Award in 1986.

After his time in the secular R&B scene, Banton returned exclusively to gospel music in the 1990s and has performed only in that genre since. His later recordings include the album Favourite Revival Songs and songs such as “Angels Are Waiting To Carry Me Home (Revival Remix),” “Tell It to Jesus,” and “On Christ the Solid Rock.” His catalog also features “Too Late Shall Be Your Cry,” a track from his tenure with The Grace Thrillers.