Junior Giscombe, known professionally simply as Junior, is an English singer who became one of the first British R&B artists to achieve major success in the United States. With a smooth, soulful voice and polished pop sensibility, he emerged as a defining figure of early 1980s British soul.
Junior’s musical journey began in his teenage years when he formed his first band, Atlantis. In the early to mid 1970s, he collaborated with classmates to establish a record label in Balham, South London, releasing a track titled 'Nice and Slow'. Between 1980 and 1982, he worked as a backing vocalist with Linx, further developing his craft before launching his solo career.
His breakthrough came in 1982 with 'Mama Used to Say', which reached number seven on the UK Singles Chart and became a Top 40 pop and Top 5 R&B hit in the United States. The track earned him a Billboard Best Newcomer award and firmly established his transatlantic reputation. Follow-up single Too Late also made the UK Top 20, while his duet with Kim Wilde, 'Another Step Closer to You', peaked at number six in the UK charts. He also contributed to major collaborations, including the Council Collective fundraising single 'Soul Deep' and became involved in Red Wedge alongside figures such as Billy Bragg and Paul Weller.
Throughout his career, Junior has continued performing his classic hits including 'Mama Used To Say', 'Too Late', 'Another Step' and 'Do You Really Want My Love'. In later years, he formed The British Collective with Don-E, Noel McKoy and Omar, celebrating British soul heritage. With enduring chart success and a catalogue that has sold millions worldwide, Junior remains a respected and influential voice in UK R&B.
