Today the Jamaica Observer’s Entertainment Desk concludes its feature looking at seminal moments that have helped shape Jamaica over the past 60 years.

IT’S fitting that during Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of Independence two of the island’s pioneer artistes are given their due — Calypsonian Kenrick “Lord Creator” Patrick and ska legend Derrick Morgan.

The latter wrote and sang Forward March, which formed the backdrop of Jamaica’s Independence celebrations on August 6, 1962. He was given a Music Icon Award by the Government during Jamaica’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations on August 6 at the National Stadium in Kingston.

Today Trinidadian singer Lord Creator, who gifted Jamaica with Independent Jamaica, will be bestowed an Order of Distinction in the rank of officer for his contribution to the development of Jamaican music.

Musicologist and conceptualiser of the ‘Tributes To The Greats’ awards, Kingsley Goodison believes the honours are timely.

“It’s very important that these pioneers are honoured as this marks the birth of modern Jamaica and its music industry. I’m happy that Lord Creator will be awarded… it’s not a nationality business. He has contributed tremendously to Jamaica’s music and it also shows that we, Jamaicans, are not narrow-minded. What can we say about Derrick Morgan? His contribution is immeasurable,” He told the Jamaica Observer.

Goodison honoured Lord Creator at Tribute To The Greats in 2004 while Morgan received his toast prior to that.

“I gave Morgan his honour before he got his Order of Distinction from the Government in 2001,” Goodison recalled.

Clarendon-born Morgan wrote Forward March, which was produced by Leslie Kong for Beverley’s Records.

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.

A top calypsonian in his country, Lord Creator performed here during the 1950s but came for Jamaica’s Independence celebrations.

He recorded Independent Jamaica with the Jamaica Military Band at Federal Records in Kingston, weeks before the country gained 9independence from Great Britain. It was produced by Vincent “Randy” Chin.

The success of Independent Jamaica prompted Lord Creator to lay down roots in Jamaica. He had further hits during the 1960s for Chin with Don’t Stay Out Late and Kingston Town, which he recorded for producer Clancy Eccles.

Lord Creator returned to Trinidad and Tobago in 1984. Six years later, British reggae band UB40 covered Kingston Town for their Labour of Love II album.

Their version was a big hit in France and helped revive the personal fortunes of Lord Creator who returned to Jamaica and settled in Montego Bay.