80s soul legend sings the praises of hospital team that saved his voice
A soul legend who faced losing his voice forever is singing the praises of the ‘amazing’ hospital team who saved his career – after he feared he might never sing again.
Junior Giscombe was treated at St George’s Hospital in Tooting after his left vocal cord collapsed without warning, leaving him with a raspy, hoarse sound.
The 68-year-old from Essex first came to fame with his international chart-topping hit ‘Mama Used To Say’ in 1983, and has since enjoyed a successful solo music career since across the world.
Junior is also a member of the British Soul Collective, alongside UK singers Omar and Don-e, and it was during one of the group’s performances that his voice suddenly deteriorated.
He sought medical help and underwent a voice-saving operation and a course of speech therapy – meaning he can now sing to his fans again.
Junior first came to fame with his international chart-topping hit ‘Mama Used To Say’ in 1983
Junior said: “I’m extremely grateful to the team at George’s – without them, I would have no voice and would have to give up the job I’ve loved for almost 50 years.
“They have been amazing, and all the care I’ve had every step of the way has been second to none. I can’t stop singing their praises.”
Recalling the moment his voice changed during his performance in 2023, Junior said: “When I got to the last song, I had no voice – it just disappeared.
“I initially thought I’d caught a cold, but when it wouldn’t go away and I just couldn’t talk, I knew something was up.
“When I tried to speak to my wife, there was no sound coming out of my mouth – I needed help.”
Junior went to see his GP who referred him to St George’s – he was told that, without treatment, he faced never singing again.
“Not being able to use my voice was incredibly frightening,” Junior said.
“Over the years, I would do shows and didn’t warm up my voice beforehand. As I never had any issues with my voice, I took for granted that it would always be there.
“No voice means no job – so I was scared.”
As part of Junior’s treatment, he had sessions with Speech Therapist Elissa Finn and her team, both before and after his surgery.
Speech therapist Elissa Finn
During these sessions, he was taught how to use his voice using a method that minimises damage.
Junior said: “I’ve never had vocal training before, so this was a first for me.
“Working with Elissa and her team gave me the confidence I needed, as I was thinking ‘am I being able to do this’ after I lost my voice.
“Now I’m back doing what I love and it’s all because of the wonderful team at St George’s – thanks to them, my voice has been saved and I can continue to sing.”
He warns: “Please don’t take your voice for granted like I did. Look after it.”
Don-e, Junior and Omar are the British Collective
Elaine Clancy, interim Group Chief Nurse, said: “I am so pleased that the dedicated teams at St George’s were able to help Junior regain his beautiful voice.
“This shows the life-changing impact that our care can have on a patient’s life – it makes me very proud to know the difference they make every day.”
Elissa added: “It was a pleasure to work with Norman – to hear him sing again makes our team’s work very rewarding.
“There are different reasons why a patient may have lost their voice. It could be through overuse, with age, or it could be caused by a health condition – so our sessions are always tailored to the patient’s needs.”
Junior has spoken about his treatment as staff at St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group gear up for the second-ever gesh CARE Awards – where Junior will meet Elissa for an emotional reunion.
Winner from last year’s gesh CARE Awards
The sponsored ceremony is a special ‘thank you’ to the health heroes who make a real difference to patients and colleagues.
Colleagues have nominated each other, while patients, their families and carers have put staff members or teams forward for the ‘Outstanding CARE of the Year’ Award.
Everyone from the hospital Group’s 17,000 workforce is eligible for an award, with the winners announced on 9 December during a special ceremony at the iconic Kia Oval in Kennington – generously sponsored by St George’s Hospital Charity, Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity and local businesses.
For further information on the gesh CARE Awards, visit here.
