Tony Roy's Cover of 'I'd Love You to Want Me' is at the Top of the South Florida Reggae Chart

While on vacation in Nevada three years ago, Tony Roy heard John Holt’s reggae version of I’d Love You to Want Me, originally done by American blue-eyed soul singer Lobo in 1972. He was so taken with the easy-listening ballad, that the Maryland-based singer decided to cover it.

Roy eventually recorded his cut in late 2024, co-producing it with Wayne Holness. It has been number one on the Foundation Radio Network for three weeks and is currently number two on the South Florida Reggae Chart.

“It’s a joy, great feelings! I was actually shocked when it got to number one so quick. But it’s a joy dat the people appreciate di song an’ enjoy it,” he said.

Interestingly, Tony Roy never heard Lobo’s original which was a huge hit in the United States. Holt’s version was released one year later as part of his 1,000 Volts of Holt album, which did well in the United Kingdom.

Tony Roy, a fixture on the Baltimore/Washington DC reggae scene for many years, was backed on I’d Love You to Want Me by Holness on keyboards and bass guitar, drummer/percussionist Joslyn McKenzie, guitarist Ragmar "GSharp" Rochester, saxophonist Walter Tates Jr and Maria Smith on background vocals.

I’d Love You to Want Me is the lead single from On my Mind, Tony Roy’s EP which was released in April by his Whylas Records. The title track is expected to be the next single from that project.