ICON: Tommy McCook
published:
Tuesday | June 17, 2008
Tommy McCook perfor-ming at the Jamaica Festival Song Competition finals, held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, in August 1979. - File
Claim to fame:
Arguably the most influential tenor saxophonist in Jamaican popular music; founding member of The Skatalites band; leader of The Supersonics band and member of The Revolutionaries.
Facts: Born in Cuba to Jamaican parents; attended the Alpha Boys School.
With Roland Alphonso and Lester Sterling, comprised The Skatalites' formidable triple saxophone attack. McCook can be heard soloing on some of the band's greatest hits, including Freedom Sounds.
Was musical director of The Supersonics, house band at producer Arthur 'Duke' Reid's Treasure Isle studio. Played on hit songs by The Paragons, The Techniques and The Melodians.
McCook gained new fans in the 1970s when he joined The Revolutionaries, house band at Channel One, which also included drummer Sly Dunbar and bassist Robbie Shakespeare. Played intro to The Mighty Diamonds' Roof Over my Head and on MPLA.
Tommy McCook died in May 1998 in Atlanta, Georgia. He was 71 years old.
