(Gibson) Lloyd Brevett, who co-founded the influential ska band, The Skatalites, died Thursday (May 3) at age 80, BBC News has reported. The legendary double bassist passed away in his native Jamaica after suffering a stroke.Formed in 1964, The Skatalites forged ska from elements of R&B, jazz and mento (a Jamaican brand of folk music). The distinctive style, for which Brevett provided the backbone, laid the groundwork for reggae.
Spokesperson and friend Maxine Stowe told the Jamaican Observer that Brevett's health had deteriorated rapidly following the tragic death of his son, Okeene Brevett, in February. The younger Brevett was shot and killed outside the family home, just hours after accepting a Jamaican music industry award on his father's behalf. more on this story
