Lt. Stitchie’s final farewell: A daughter’s heartbreak and a friend’s memories of a music legend

On Saturday, November 14, the music fraternity said goodbye to legendary dancehall-turned-gospel DJ Lt. Stitchie, aka Cleve Aman Laing, at a thanksgiving service at the Louise Bennett Garden Theatre, Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, in Kingston.

Stitchie died at Kingston Public Hospital on September 28, a day before his 64th birthday, after suffering a stroke two years earlier.

For Stitchie's daughter, Candece "Candy" Laing, the deepest pain of losing her father is that she never got to hold his hand or be by his side one last time after his stroke in Kingston. This was because of circumstances beyond her control. For his former business manager and friend, Dave Rodney, the loss has stirred memories of the extraordinary journey that took Stitchie, a one-time Spanish Town schoolteacher, from Jamaica's dancehalls to some of the world's biggest stages.

Dave and Candece's recollections reveal a loving father, a loyal friend, a disciplined professional and a deeply spiritual man. For his daughter Candy, the loss remains deeply personal.

"Today, I do not wish to speak primarily about the celebrated gospel artist, the accomplished lyricist, or the cultural ambassador," she declared in an emotional recorded tribute.

"Today, I want to speak about my daddy, because before the world knew him as Lieutenant Stitchy, I knew him as dad, and to me, he was simply daddy. I was, without question, a daddy's girl."

Candece remembered a father who supported her educational journey from Wilma's Preparatory School and St. Andrew High School for Girls to medical studies overseas.

But beneath those cherished memories lies the heartbreak of being unable to spend his final years with him because of circumstances involving misunderstandings and changes in laws and travel policies.

"Daddy, I wish I had more time with you. I wish circumstances had afforded me the opportunity to spend the last two years by your side."

"I did not get the opportunity to hold your hand one last time, look into your eyes, or whisper goodbye."

Her thoughts returned to the summer of 2023, when they spent precious time together, unaware those moments might be their last.

"If I had known then what I know now, I would have held on a little longer. I would have asked for a few more questions. I would have taken a few more photographs and committed every moment to memory."

While Candece remembers the father behind the fame, Rodney recalls the musical genius whose creativity and professionalism helped carry dancehall beyond Jamaica's shores.

Stitchie emerged during the 1980s as one of dancehall's most gifted lyricists, captivating audiences with rapid-fire delivery, clever storytelling and infectious humor. His hits included "Wear Yuh Size," "Natty Dread," "Dress to Impress," "Old Time Teaching" and "Night & Day." In 1988, he made history as the first dancehall artist to sign with Atlantic Records in the United States.

"I remember how tremendously proud and excited he was with carving a new dancehall path by signing to Atlantic Records," Rodney recalled.

"75 Rockefeller Plaza where the Warner/Elektra/Atlantic labels were housed became our new home in New York City and suddenly we were surrounded by a wonderful new supportive family led by the great Sylvia Rhone."

The historic deal opened international doors, taking Stitchie to audiences across Japan, Europe and other markets. But Rodney remembers more than the performances.

"He always raised Jamaica's flag high, not just in exhilarating performances, but also in his professional execution of business," Rodney shared.

"He took contracts and agreements very seriously, something that was not the norm in the late 1980s."

Rodney believes Stitchie's remarkable command of Jamaican language and culture deserves greater academic recognition.

"Stitchie's sophisticated lyrical genius, his spit-fire sense of humor and his extraordinary grasp of old time Jamaican culture put him in a class by himself."

Despite his success, Stitchie remained connected to Spanish Town, frequently visiting his mother, Miss Imogene, and maintaining childhood friendships. When he embraced gospel music in 1997, many were surprised. Rodney wasn't.

"When Stitchie made the switch from dancehall to gospel, many were surprised but I fully expected this," Rodney exclaimed.

He recalled a deeply spiritual man who quietly sought divine guidance before performing.

"He never once entered a stage to perform without quietly and privately saying a prayer asking God to guide him through this upcoming performance."

In 2021, Jamaica recognized Stitchie's contribution to music and culture with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer.

As his final farewell approached, Candece thanked relatives and friends who supported him during his illness, including Wayne, Cherry, Jennifer and Dave. She also remembered how proudly her father spoke of her and her sister Johanna as his "two smart beautiful girls that I love dearly."

For Rodney, who served as Stitchie's manager, road manager and best man, the farewell is especially difficult.

"Cleve Aman Laing, you are gone too soon but you will never be forgotten by me and by your Atlantic Records team."

"Sleep peacefully, my brother."

For Candece, however, no award, recording or international achievement could ever define the man she knew.

"The world may remember you as Lieutenant Stichie, the legendary artist. Jamaica may remember you as a distinguished son of the soil. The international music community may remember you as an influential voice of faith. But I will remember you as daddy."

And then came the words that perhaps best capture the heartbreak behind Saturday's farewell.

"No matter how old I become, no matter how many years pass, there will always be a little Candy somewhere inside of me missing her daddy. I love you, daddy. Until we meet again."

Today, Jamaica said goodbye to a musical pioneer. Dave Rodney now mourns a cherished friend, while daughter Candece continues to wish for just one more moment with her daddy.