Rated among Jamaica’s greatest footballers, Allan “Skill” Cole had a love for music that transcended his much-documented ties to Bob Marley.

He was a regular at dances, especially in east Kingston, since his early teens.

That passion will be remembered during Authentic: Tribute to The Life of Allan “Skill” Cole, which takes place October 17 at Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St Andrew.

The event is being organised by his son, David Cole. “He is noted to be one of the familiar faces you would see at the old hits dances, especially when it was banging in Rae Town and functions where his presence is welcomed,” said David.

“He’s a lover of quality and meaningful music… Bob Marley, Bob Andy, Alton Ellis, and Toots and The Maytals were among his favourites,” he added.

“The importance of this event is to primarily keep his memory and legacy alive, also my love and respect for him as a father, athlete, and the ultimate humanitarian.” Skill Cole died in September last year at the age of 74.

As a footballer, he excelled for Vere Technical High School in the daCosta Cup; Santos and Boys’ Town in the Major League; and Nautico in Brazil’s Division One.

For many years Cole was associated with Marley. He was the singer-songwriter’s manager and confidant, who travelled with him to West Germany in 1980 when Marley sought cancer treatment.

Marley died in Miami in May 1981 at age 36. In the early 1970s, Cole aggressively lobbied for reggae to be played on Jamaican radio.

“He was just as passionate about music as he was about football. Proven by the vigilant steps he took to get his best friend’s music in the public space as the first defender of reggae music,” David noted.

To be hosted by Tommy Cowan and Ali McNab, ‘Authentic’ will feature performances from I Wayne, Tjean and Warrior King. Music will also be provided by the Rassarella sound system.