Whenever one thinks of reggae and its many great contributors, it is inevitable to think of the legendary Beres Hammond. Soulful, talented and a lover of music are only a few of the infinite terms that could be used to describe the Jamaican star who has been performing since the 1970s.

Well known for his quiet smile, unassuming demeanour and full beard, the bespectacled Mr. Hammond is a prolific singer and songwriter. He is often known to create lyrics on a whim without putting pen to paper. With a smoky voice reminescent of legendary soul singers Otis Redding and Teddy Pendergrss, Mr. Hammond first enjoyed breakthrough success with his 1985 hit, 'What One Dance Can Do', which is still a hit in the dance to this day.

This weekend, Mr. Hammond is set to take the stage at Gombey's Clearwater Beach, almost four years after he last performed on the Island in 2001.

"I started out seriously recording in 1976, and started enjoying success in 1977," the singer recently told The Royal Gazette from his recording studio in Jamaica. "While it may have taken a while, whatever time it took served a purpose."

Citing artists such as Marvin Gaye, Sam Cook, Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross as his early influences, Mr. Hammond said he always loved music as he grew up in St. Mary, Jamaica.

While he is easily recognised internationally as a reggae star, Mr. Hammond refuses to be labelled.

"I am an artist who sings reggae," he clarified after he was referred to as a reggae singer. "I do not know there's a difference."

The soft-spoken father of six has performed on the Island several times over the last three decades. The first time he performed here was in 1976, when he was member with the group, Zap Pow, who had won a talent contest in Jamaica that year.

Mr. Hammond said he always enjoys playing for Bermudians, who he described as "very receptive and nice people".

"I love the way that they interact with me on the streets. I have lots of friends there."

The legendary performer said when he hits the stage on Saturday night, one thing is certain. The crowd will be having a great time no matter how many times they may have seen him.

"I think my love for what I do is a never ending approach to my music. I have not changed and I feel that when that happens, everyone is happy."

When asked if he had anything special planned for the crowd, Mr. Hammond replied: "I don't know because whenever we meet is a special occasion to me. I always perform as if it is my first and last time. Just having people there makes it special for me."

With a plethora of classics such as 'Love Means Never to Say That You're Sorry', 'Can't Stop a Man', 'Step Aside', and "Putting Up a Resistance," Mr. Hammond said there is no one thing that inspires his music, just whatever happens to touch him at the time.

"Life around me reflects in my music, not necessarily my life personally. My inspiration comes from everyday life and keeping it real."

He has been quoted as saying: "Every day, each day vibe you get, just comes natural. You can sing about this and sing about the next...Just make some songs, mon. Songs about everything. Love affairs and life itself, ups and downs...your brothers and sisters trying to survive in the street.

"It's for real, not fantasy business. We don't rehearse them, just make the vibes flow...like a natural mystic. Yunno? Natual. It goes on and on."

An overwhelmingly humble man, Mr. Hammond shrugged off being seen as a superstar.

"No, that is the furthest thing from my mind. I am blessed, so I can concentrate more on my blessings than other things."

"I am so happy that people can respect you for who you are and for what you can contribute. I still don't understand what superstar means," he responded with a gentle laugh.