THE Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes and Affiliates (JAVAA) inducted nine musical pioneers, eight posthumously, in its third Hall of Fame induction ceremony held Wednesday evening by the poolside at the Mayfair Hotel in Kingston.

Interestingly, Island Records, was included in the 2010 roll of honourees, but in this instance, not its founder Chris Blackwell. Also, the late Leslie Kong, described as a seminal producer was named as an inductee, but not his famous label, Beverly Records, and record store by the same name.

Suffice it to say though, Blackwell, as well as the Beverly Records, were mentioned in the respective citations read by communications consultant Marie Francis. The only living hall of famer inducted, was Burning Spear.

The eight inductees honoured posthumously for their crowning achievements and indelible contribution to the establishment of Jamaican music, were trombonist Don Drummond, vocalists Desmond Dekker, Delroy Wilson, The Blues Busters, Wilfred 'Jackie' Edwards, organist extraordinaire Jackie Mittoo and producer Leslie Kong. It's important to note also, inducted along with Dekker, were his singing partners, the Aces.

Another pleasant surprise was Clyde McKenzie, who not so long ago, in his Observer column dubbed the JAVAA Hall of Fame as the "Wall of Fame," was introduced as guest speaker.

Notwithstanding, as he does on such occasions, he did justice to the event. Consistent with his early stated position, McKenzie, after expressing his gratitude for having been invited to deliver the keynote address, declared to rousing applause: "The first thing you need is a place to house this Hall of Fame, and the government has to be a part of this."

Speaking in the context of the need for greater effort to preserve the memory of Jamaican musicians, such as those who were being honoured and who are no longer around, the managing director of Fi Wi Choice added, "You have people like Desmond Dekker. He was one of the early Jamaican hit-makers internationally. Poor Mi Isrealites is a classic of all time," he cited.

"Yes, Desmond, like Mr Kong is no longer here, but we need to be able to preserve their memory. We need to be able to have children know about Mr Kong. Because the fact is, people will journey from far places to come and be associated with the history of this music. Because it is such an important and integral part of modern popular culture."

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