The thanksgiving service for the life of renowned Jamaican musician 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 Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, stated.
There will be a tribute from local musicians led by saxophonist, Dean Fraser.
Desi Jones, the iconic drummer known for his signature beret and pivotal role in Jamaica’s music scene, passed away in Kingston on May 11 at the age of 65.
His wife, Judith, confirmed his passing, although no further details were provided.
Jones had an illustrious career, leaving an indelible mark with bands like the Sonny Bradshaw Band, Chalice, and Skool. He toured alongside legends such as Jimmy Cliff and Monty Alexander.
A fixture on Kingston’s vibrant live music scene for decades, Jones graced stages at iconic venues like Jazz In The Gardens at the Jamaica Pegasus and, more recently, F&B Downtown along Harbour Street.
As a founding member of Chalice, a pioneering reggae ensemble formed in 1980, Jones contributed significantly to their success. He penned some of their most beloved tracks, including “I’m Trying,” “Marie,” and “Praise Him.” His departure from Chalice in the late 1980s led to the formation of Skool, a dynamic show band that dominated the 1990s music scene, performing at prestigious events like Reggae Sunsplash and embarking on tours across the United States.
Born Desmond Jack Jones in Kingston, he was an alumnus of St. George’s College and initially honed his musical talents as a trombonist with the Salvation Army band during his time at the renowned institution.
Jones was recognized by the Government in 2019 for his contribution to the development of Jamaican music in the genres of Reggae, show music, and Jazz.
