The author and singer of Forward March, part of the soundtrack to Jamaica’s Independence, Derrick Morgan recalls the festivities of August 6, 1962 as if it were yesterday.

As the British Union Jack was lowered and the green, gold and black banner of the new nation went up at the National Stadium that night, he was downtown Kingston celebrating at a street dance.

“I was on a truck back at King Street singing Forward March an’ everybody was rocking. Di ships came in an’ a lotta sailors were in town enjoying demself…a great time,” Morgan, 82, told the Jamaica Observer.

The ska legend will have more reason to celebrate on August 6 as Jamaica marks 60 years of Independence. He and fellow singer Sanchez will receive a Jamaica Music Icon Award during the Grand Gala at the National Stadium by the Jamaican Government for their contribution to the country’s music.

Morgan, who has been blind for most of his life, remains active as an artiste. He said the latest recognition “means everything to me”, adding that, “This award mek mi feel on top.”

He received the Order of Distinction from the Government in 2001.

At the time he wrote Forward March, Clarendon-born Morgan was one of the stars of the burgeoning Jamaican music business. His patriotic song was produced by Leslie Kong, whose Beverley’s Records also had a teenaged Jimmy Cliff on its books.

Prior to Forward March, he scored hits with Lover Boy, Be Still, and Don’t Call me Daddy for producer Duke Reid. Moving to Kong’s camp, Morgan scored with Housewife’s Choice and Blazing Fire.

Those were some of the songs that made him popular in the United Kingdom which had a growing Jamaican population. Morgan’s music was also embraced by the Skinheads, a group of anti-establishment white British youth.

Derrick Morgan has shows scheduled for Los Angeles in August, New York in September, and for Colombia in October.