Skatalite founding member Lloyd George Brevett laid to rest.

The funeral of Skatalite member Lloyd George Brevett was a small, intimate affair at the University of the West Indies Mona Chapel yesterday.

His widow, Ruth Brevett, found it difficult to hold it together and broke down on numerous occasions. The great man was gone.

Lloyd Brevett was born on August 1, 1931, celebrated as Emancipation Day, and he later developed into an accomplished musician, credited for building the double bass (some call it a walking bass line) and the jazz drums for performing bands.

Brevett was also a founding member of one of Jamaica’s most important musicians groups, the Skatalites.

The Skatalites contributed to the development of ska, rocksteady and reggae as both composers and performers, working with legendary producers such as Sir Clement ‘Coxson’ Dodd, Duke Reid and Prince Buster.

At the ceremony, Opposition Spokesperson on Youth and Culture Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange described Brevett as a pioneer.

“He and his group paved the way for reggae music in a way that has transcended all barriers, creed and races,” Grange said.

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