Culture Minister Olivia Grange has expressed deep sadness at the death of veteran drummer Desi Jones.

Jones passed away on Saturday, May 11, after he was found unresponsive at his home. He was pronounced dead at hospital.

He is survived by his wife, Judith Jones; his son Joshua; and his daughter Jodie.

“I am shocked and saddened by the untimely passing of one of Jamaica’s most talented, gifted, and loved musicians, Mr. Desi Jones, CD. Desi was a founding member of the band Chalice and later formed his own band, Skool, in 1988. I became his manager when he formed Skool, and it was one of the best artiste-manager relationships I experienced in the business, of which I have been a part for many years,” Grange said.

“On April 30, when my ministry celebrated International Jazz Day, Desi accompanied Marjorie Whylie, and both gave stellar performances and wonderful interpretations of jazz compositions. Jamaica has really lost one of its greatest musical talents,” she added.

The musician was recognized by the government for his contribution to the development of Jamaican music in the genres of reggae, show music, and jazz in 2019.

Jones developed a love for music at an early age. He began playing the recorder and conga drums as early as age seven.

In 1976, Jones began his professional career as a drummer at age 17. He was a founding member of the reggae group CHALICE, recording seven albums with the group.

Jones later formed his own band, SKOOL, and worked with reggae talents such as Jimmy Cliff, Barrington Levy, Mutabaruka, and Marcia Griffiths.