The world wide Ska community has been dealt an awful blow today following the announcement that Lloyd Brevett, co-founder of influential 60’s Ska band The Skatalites has passed away after a strong innings, aged 80.
Billboard has announced that Brevett, who manned the double bass in the band, suffered a severe stroke as well as seizures. He was committed to St. Andrews Memorial Hospital in his home townof Jamaica, where he passed away May 3rd.
Best known for the track Guns Of Navarone, The Skatalites only existed as a band between 1963 – 1965. The 18-month career left a long-lasting impression; however, with Brevett receiving the Order Of Distinction in 2001, one of Jamaica’s most prestigious awards as well as the Silver Musgrave Medal in 2010 for his contribution to music.
According to The Jamaican Observer, Maxine Stowe, friend of Brevett and former A&R of Colombia Records, stated that Brevett’s health had began to deteriorate following the shooting death of his son, Okeene Brevett, in February who was on his way from picking up an award on behalf of his father from the Jamaican Recording Industry Association
