The Jamaica Observer continues its ‘Reggae 50’ feature on people, organisations, and events that have made an impact on reggae over the past 50 years.

On May 6 1969, it was quietly reported that Don Drummond, the troubled trombonist, had died at Bellevue asylum in east Kingston. Similarly, there was little acknowledgement early this month on the 50th anniversary of his death.

Drummond was only 35 years-old when he died. A founding member of The Skatalites, he composed two of that legendary group’s most famous songs, Confucius and Eastern Standard Time, but he is best known for murdering his lover on New Year’s Day 1965.

At his trial (he was represented by PJ Patterson), Drummond was ruled criminally insane and sent to Bellevue, just a hop and skip away from the tenement where he killed exotic dancer Anita “Marguerita” Mahfood.

Because of that tragic episode, Drummond’s musical legacy is often overlooked. But even in his prime, not much was known about him, except that he was born and raised in Allman Town to a struggling single mother who placed him in the Alpha Home for Boys where he learned music.

After leaving Alpha, Drummond played in different bands in Kingston where his prowess as a trombonist earned the respect of his peers. Later, when he was a member of The Skatalites, one of the artistes who saw him was Trinidadian singer Lord Creator.

“He was a quiet guy, kinda moody, and he kept to himself. But when that man took up a horn. Boy!” Creator said in a 2003 interview with the Jamaica Observer.

Drummond’s legend has drawn admirers, like American trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis of the respected Marsalis music family, and his compatriot, author Heather Augustyn. She wrote the 2013 book, Don Drummond — The Genius and Tragedy of the World’s Greatest Trombonist.

In an interview with the website, Reggae Steady Ska, Augustyn commented on his tragic genius.

“Here is an example of someone, who despite immense talent and drive and hard work, was not able to overcome the challenges of poverty and mental illness and struggle. I had to put a chapter in at the end talking about his legacy, because now I think the beauty and work of his life has been realised, but it’s sad to know it wasn’t realised while he was alive, before he turned to murder, before he destroyed so much.”

Also in 2013, the National Dance Theatre Company launched the ballet Malungu, in tribute to Drummond.

In February, the Jamaica Government finally recognised Drummond’s contribution to the country’s music. He was the recipient of an Icon Award during the Reggae Gold Awards at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston.