The thanksgiving service for Sidney Thorpe, the Fabulous Five keyboardist who died on April 5, takes place on June 5 at St Dorothy’s Anglican Church in Old Harbour, St Catherine.

Thorpe — who joined the Fabulous Five shortly after leaving Jamaica School for the Blind 46 years ago — died at University Hospital of the West Indies at age 66.

He is remembered by former bandmate Grub Cooper as “a musical genius” and “true-blooded, rounded musician”.

Cooper said Thorpe’s left leg was amputated two days earlier, due to complications from diabetes.

Thorpe was part of the Fabulous Five’s most successful line-up that transitioned from easy-listening reggae to a soca hit machine. He played on their biggest hits, including Ring Road Jam, Yuh Safe, All Night Party, and Jamaican Woman.

Cooper, who is also visually impaired, said Thorpe was never hampered by his impediment.

“A man with no sight who plays a synthesizer is somebody special. He had perfect pitch as a musician and that’s a rare gift,” he explained.

Thorpe was the second loss in as many weeks for the Fabulous Five organisation. Alvin Campbell, writer of
Ring Road Jam and younger brother of bass guitarist Frankie Campbell, died on April 18.

In addition to his work with the Fabulous Five, Thorpe collaborated as an arranger with singers Candy Isaacs and Sandra Brooks.

Sidney Thorpe is survived by his wife Arlene.

— Howard Campbell