Dear Editor,

The Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts mourns the loss of sensational drummer and musician extraordinaire Desmond “Desi” Jack Jones; one who we considered an institution within our institution.

When the history of drumming in Jamaica is written, Jones will be prominently etched in its voluminous pages. Throughout Jamaican history, drums have been inextricably bound with the movements of Jah people. Drums have given us that je ne sais quoi in the rhythms of our walk, in the cadence of our talk, and in the content of our demands to move with sovereignty and purpose.

Jones was supremely comfortable with the positioning of the drums and, by extension, the drummer in the grand scheme of local music. His vocation was his avocation, making him as integral to the unfolding of the music as the music itself has been to Jamaican culture.

Born on February 21, 1959 in Kingston, Jamaica, Desi exhibited a remarkable talent for music from an early age. Beginning with the recorder and congo drums at the Institute of Jamaica at the tender age of seven, his journey into the world of rhythm and melody was destined for greatness. At age 12 he embraced the drum set and joined the Salvation Army brass band as a trombone player. By 17 he had become a professional drummer for the Sonny Bradshaw Seven, a top Jamaican dance band of that era.

In the turbulent 1980s, Jones co-founded the reggae group Chalice, contributing to seven albums of original material. His groundbreaking book,
The Art of Reggae Drumming, released in 1983, marked another milestone as the world’s first instructional book on reggae drumming.

His dedication to music extended beyond genres, collaborating with artistes such as Jimmy Cliff, Barrington Levy, Mutabaruka, Marcia Griffiths, Monty Alexander, Ernie Ranglin, and many more. His band Skool became the backbone for the Reggae Sunsplash tours in the USA and Japan.

Jones generously shared his talents, serving as a musical director for icons like Bob Andy, Karen Smith, Ernie Smith, and Myrna Hague. His influence crossed international borders, having performed with renowned acts like Billy Paul, Eartha Kitt, and Roberta Flack. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he was nationally honoured with the Order of Distinction in 2019 and awarded by the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) in 2023.

The Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts fondly remembers Jones’ contributions to our space. He mentored students, jammed with faculty, and was a positive influence. His last major musical engagement at the college was the Karen Smith Concert produced by the Karen Smith Foundation, of which he was a member. The proceeds from the concert supported students in the School of Music.

As an external examiner and an encouraging presence for over 15 years in the Drum Department, he had a personal connection to the college through his son, Joshua, who was a student.

The music industry has lost a gem. He was always available for consultations and brainstorming, and in addition to his impact on Jamaican music, he will be remembered as a man of “no conflict”, a musician who trusted in the power of music to connect and liberate.

The Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts expresses condolence to his son Joshua, his sister Jodie, and his widow Judith.

Desi will be greatly missed at the college. His music will play on, and his spirit will live on in our hearts.

Dorrett R Campbell

Interim principal

Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts