A service of thanksgiving to celebrate the life of Desmond “Desi” Jack-Jones will take place at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity on North Street, Kingston, on Monday, June 3, at 1pm, Minister of Culture, Gender, Leisure and Sport Olivia Grange announced.
There will also be a tribute performance by musicians led by saxophonist Dean Fraser.
Jones, one of Jamaica’s greatest musicians, passed away suddenly on Saturday, May 11, at the age of 65.
A founding member of the band Chalice, he recorded numerous albums with the group before forming his own band, Skool, and has also toured extensively and recorded with Jimmy Cliff, Barrington Levy, Mutabaruka, Marcia Griffiths, jazz pianist Monty Alexander, and guitarist Ernie Ranglin.
He was a long-time fixture on the live music scene and was a highly sought-after drummer, jazz musician, music teacher and author of the only book on reggae drumming.
In 2019, Desi Jones was awarded the Officer Class Medal for his contribution to the development of Jamaican music in the genres of jazz, show music and reggae, and in 2023 he will receive the JaRIA Award for Outstanding Musician (Instrumentalist).
His widow, Judith, calls for bright colors in her thanksgiving ceremonies.
