Thanksgiving Service for Desi Jones June 3

The Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Desmond ‘Desi’ Jack Jones will be held at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, North Street in Kingston on Monday, June 3, starting at 1 p.m. a release from the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, stated.

There will be a tribute from musicians led by saxophonist, Dean Fraser.

Jones, one of Jamaica’s most outstanding musicians, died suddenly on Saturday, May 11, at the age of 65.

A founding member of the band Chalice, he recorded a number of albums with the group before leaving to form his own band, Skool. Jones also toured extensively and recorded with Jimmy Cliff, Barrington Levy, Mutabaruka, Marcia Griffiths, jazz pianist Monty Alexander and guitarist Ernie Ranglin.

For years, he had been a fixture on the live music scene, where he was very much in demand as a drummer and jazz musician. He was also a lecturer in music and wrote the only known book on reggae drumming.

In 2019, Desi Jones received the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer Class for his contribution to the development of Jamaican music in the genres of jazz, show music, and Reggae. He also received the JaRIA Award for Exceptional Musician (Instrumentalist) in 2023.

His widow, Judith, is asking for cheerful colours at the service of thanksgiving.