Krista Henry, Staff Reporter
Byron Aloysius Lee
Legendary bandleader Byron Lee lost his battle with cancer yesterday. The soca icon died at the University Hospital of the West Indies at the age of 73.
Lee, fondly referred to as 'The Dragon', had been fighting transitional cell cancer and was being treated in Miami, Florida. He was later diagnosed with bladder cancer two years ago and returned to Jamaica, by air ambulance, on Saturday, October 25, and was being treated at The Tony Thwaites Wing.
"The family of The Honourable Byron Lee Sr, OJ, regretfully confirms that he passed away peacefully today," The Dragon's daughter, Julian Lee Samuels, told The Gleaner. "He fought a very brave battle with cancer and was in hospital surrounded by his family and close friends. He will be remembered not only as an excellent musician, but as a very kind, generous, humble and talented man who was always working to use music to unite persons of all ages, races and people from all walks of life."
Lee is survived by his wife, Sheila, sons Byron Jr, Edward John, daughters Deanna, Judith, Julianne and Danielle as well as grandchildren Amelia, Alexander, Jessica, Victoria, Amanda, Jaden and Dylan.
Prime Minister Bruce Golding said that Byron Lee had excelled not only as a musician, with his band Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, but was known to be one of the best promoters, label and studio owners, and can be credited for the explosion in popularity of Jamaica's music as far back as the 1960s.
Olivia Grange, minister of information, culture, youth and sports, with responsibility for entertainment, said she was deeply saddened by the passing of Lee.
People's National Party Spokesperson on Information and Culture, Lisa Hanna, expressed condolences and sympathies to Lee's family.
"Jamaica has lost a loved and treasured icon of our cultural fabric whose larger-than-life talent pioneered Jamaican music to the four corners of the world," she said in a statement.
Order of Jamaica
Lee was known for hits such as Tiny Winey and was recently conferred with the Order of Jamaica during a special ceremony at the hospital last week. He was given the award by Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall and the prime minister. The Order of Jamaica is the nation's fourth-highest honour. Lee was awarded the Order of Distinction (Officer class) in 1982. That honour was upgraded to Commander class in 2007.
Lee's career spans more than 50 years and he is credited with being one of the leading musicians to bring Jamaican music to the world. According to yahoomusic.com, when Bob Marley was a struggling young musician and a member of the little-known Wailers, Lee was perhaps the most well-known Jamaican bandleader in the world. Lee was 20 years old when he formed his band, the Dragonaires, in 1957, and has since travelled the world and assisted to popularise the carnival tradition in Jamaica through the annual Jamaica Carnival.
Bruce Golding
Prime Minister
Jamaica, and indeed the world, have lost another great music pioneer with the passing this morning of Byron Lee, one of the greatest bandleaders ever to grace the entertainment stages of the world.
Portia Simpson Miller
opposition leader
He brought a level of organisational discipline to music that was unprecedented. He is gone but his work will always be remembered.
Olivia Grange
minister of culture with responsibility for entertainment
Undoubtedly, Jamaica has lost another of its great sons of our music and culture.
Lisa Hanna
opposition spokesperson on culture
Today, we mourn with all Jamaicans, as we remember him for his scintillating rhythms, honest lyrics, discipline, professionalism, bold talent and intense passion for entertaining ... . Walk good, Dragon, you will forever be etched in the rhythm of our hearts.
Alison Hinds
soca artiste
He was the person who brought carnival to Jamaica. It's gonna be different but his spirit is gonna be there. There were times when he was particularly low that he would just want to be near the music and feel the vibes. I wish him well on his journey.
David Rudder
soca artiste
Byron was one of the fathers of Caribbean music. In terms of artistes, he brought all the artistes from different islands together. He was someone I could talk to and get advice from. The first time he brought carnival to Jamaica, I was there. We had a strong connection, not just a musical vibe. Byron Lee was a fixture in Trinidad.
Destra garcia
soca artiste
I've known that he has been ill for a while. The last time I spoke with him was earlier this year at carnival. All my prayers were with him and I wished he could have lasted a bit longer. His music has been a great influence, especially on the ragga soca style. He's a legend and I know he will live on for years and years. The young persons who did not know him through experience, like me, will know him through his music.
Byron Lee at the mixing board during Carnival Countdown, held at Richmond Estate, Priory, St Ann, on Sunday, March 23, 2008. - file photos
1968: When RJR's Band of the Year Byron Lee and the Dragonaires returned to Kingston on the Jamaica Queen, RJR's 'Hound Dog Man', Charlie Babcock, was on hand to welcome them back.
