Gladdy from Wild Bunch Disco has died
Published:Saturday | February 19, 2022 | 11:42 PMYasmine Peru/Senior Gleaner Writer -
Veteran sound system owner and selector, Gladstone 'Gladdy' Parker, from Wild Bunch Disco has died.
Frankie Campbell, frontman for Fab 5 band, confirmed to The Gleaner that Gladdy died on Saturday at the Consie Walters Hospice, where he was a patient.
"Gladdy took a turn for the worse and was admitted to the Consie Walters Hospice in late January. But, because of the whole COVID thing, he was only allowed two visitors — the caregiver and one family member. But, he did not have COVID; it was just their protocols. So, we, his friends, did not get a chance to visit him or anything, and that was sad," Campbell explained.
He added, "Gladdy was my good friend. He worked with Fab 5 from the early 1970s and JAVAA (Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes and Affiliates) many times over the last 18 years. He will be sorely missed by the music industry, especially the disc jock fraternity. RIP, Gladdy, you ran a great race. Continue playing your fantastic selections in heaven."
DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER
In July last year, a fundraiser dubbed Rally for Gladdy was staged by Carivibez Internet radio in association with Stone Love and Merritone Disco. Gladdy, who was diabetic, was diagnosed with cancer in December 2020 and had been undergoing treatment. He had received chemotherapy, after which there were rounds of radiation as well as an operation, and fraternity rallied around him in his time of need.
In a brief interview with The Gleaner at the time, the man who has been playing music for 58 years said he had seen better days.
"It has been rough," he admitted, "but some days are better than others".
The owner, operator and selector of Wild Bunch Disco and an avid record collector, Gladdy started the sound in 1963 with George Phillpotts and Charles Kennedy. Wild Bunch has enjoyed a reputation for consistent musical excellence in Jamaica and internationally.
Gladdy has been honoured by various organisations, including the Purple Masters, which presented him with an award in appreciation of his sterling contribution to the Jamaican music scene; the Desnoes & Geddes Award, in recognition of his dedication and service to the Jamaican entertainment industry; the Binns' Entertainment Award, in appreciation for his outstanding contribution to the entertainment scene; the Merritone Music Award and a VRCA Lifetime Achievement Award.