‘He was a prince who sometimes became a frog to teach us valuable life lessons’

– Daughter Julianne Lee

SOMEHOW yesterday’s Thanksgiving Service to celebrate the life and work of cultural icon Byron Lee would not have been complete without a sterling contribution from the musical element. Music was a big part of Lee’s journey.

Scores of black and grey-clad mourners who gathered inside the large and airy Abe Issa Auditorium at St George’s College to pay their final respects to the musical stalwart, found themselves rocking and gently tapping their feet as the auditorium came alive with the sound of music.

Between tributes from political figures, friends and family members, Lee’s renowned band, The Dragonaires, served up such classics as Empty Chair, Portrait of Love and Dumplins for the listening pleasure of the congregation, which swelled as the service progressed.

The atmosphere was one of celebration, nostalgia and occasional solemnness throughout the nearly four-hour-long service. Inside the auditorium, bereaved relatives, past and present government and opposition parliamentarians, members of the artistic and business communities, family friends and ordinary Jamaicans sat laced together in liturgy, all sharing a sign of peace and common purpose.

As the tributes were read, Lee was consistently hailed as a musician par excellence, who had a tremendous impact on Jamaican popular music throughout his professional career, a disciplinarian with an eye for detail and a doting family man who never forgot the importance of the family space.

“Byron Lee assumed all that was before him, the legacy of the pioneers, and straddled the evolution of Jamaican music. And through it all, he stamped his influence on our music. And he did more; he internationalised it,” said Prime Minister Bruce Golding. “What is so profound about the contribution of the Dragonaires is that they never left the stage and can be seen as an institution and part of our cultural heritage. To his family and close friends, I want to say that for all that [Lee] has done for Jamaican music, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires must never die.”

A recorded message from American soul musician Ben E King described Lee as “one of the best of the best” while Ronald Thwaites, representing the People’s National Party, said “Lee identified us as a people wherever he went. He is our pride, our memory and our inspiration even today”.

Former Prime Minister Edward Seaga referred to Lee as a social engineer who “was able to bring uptown and downtown into one with music and culture as his tool”.

“He helped in welding our people together. His was no haphazard success; he saw and went after excellence in all he did. Byron Lee was a dragon in truth and there will never be another dragon,” said Seaga, who knew Lee for more than 50 years.

Lee, who was bestowed with the Order of Jamaica last month – capping an illustrious 52-year career – was also saluted by his former band manager and close pal Ronnie Nasralla and his daughter Julianne Lee, who shared amusing anecdotes about her father.

“He was a prince who sometimes became a frog to teach us valuable life lessons, and he earned our undying love and affection. Dad epitomised the consummate family man and we certainly idolised him,” Julianne said in a lengthy and heartfelt tribute.

Lee, a proud St George’s College alum, died earlier this month after a valiant bout with cancer. He was 72. To honour his memory and legacy, the Byron Lee Foundation is being established to carry on the work of the eminent soca legend, by offering support for projects which record major milestones in the development of Jamaican music.

During his brief sermon, Reverend Monsignor Richard Albert encouraged members of the congregation to make use of their God-given talents.

“Whatsoever gifts we’ve been given are not for ourselves but for others. Let us look at the example of this great man and be reminded of how to make a difference,” said Albert.