"He was an originator and a unique person in 20th Century music. He bridged the gap between early Jamaican music and modern British ska pop music. As a man, he was my friend and a great friend. I toured the world with him and spent as much time enjoying his company as his music. He had a great knowledge on many subjects from the Old Testament to horseracing; his personality and sound were as one and both adorable.
I know I speak for my whole band when I say I will miss him both as a friend and as a fellow musician."
+ + + +
Music industry "bible" Billboard published a fairly cursory obituary for Rico Rodriguez, which included tweets from Elvis Costello and Tony Kanal of No Doubt.
+ + + +
Public Radio International has a nice remembrance of Rico on their website.
+ + + +
If you happen to have a subscription to the London Times, I'm told they've printed an excellent half-page Rico obituary (you can only read the first two paragraphs until you hit the pay wall).
+ + + +
The Brooklyn Vegan notes (via Bim Skala Bim's Facebook page) that this evening, September 11, 2015, there was a Heritage of Ska event called "Honoring the Legends," which celebrated Rico's life and incredible career (he had been invited to it prior to his death). Here's what Bim had posted earlier this week:
"Rico's children and wonderful close friend, Rasta Larry, will be attending the special honorary show next Friday 11th Sept (planned since last year), at the 229 Club in London, where Rico was due to attend and receive an award accolade, from the Jamaican High Commissioner (along with Owen Gray and Prince Buster). The family will receive the award on Rico's behalf. The night will include a speech by Jerry Dammers and performance by The Neville Staple Band, plus other special guests.
Bless you Rico. Your legendary name and music will live forever."
+ + + +
This evening, I happened to pull out and listen to my bootleg single of Jerry Dammers' Spatial AKA Orchestra performing "Ghost Planet" and remembered that it included Rico performing/reprising his tremendous "Ghost Town" solo. So, here's the video...
+ + + +
No comments:
Post a Comment