EAB pays tribute to Denroy Morgan, Mighty Diamonds

The Entertainment Advisory Board (EAB) is lauding the contributions of Denroy Morgan and the Mighty Diamonds to the musical way of life of Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora.

Denroy Morgan passed away on March 3 in the United States while veteran group Mighty Diamonds lost two of their members – Donald ‘Tabby Diamond’ Shaw and Fitzroy ‘Bunny Diamond’ Simpson – last week.

EAB Chairman Howard McIntosh noted that with the death of these three giants, “an irreplaceable part of Jamaica’s music culture has been lost”.

“Although Denroy Morgan migrated to the US as a young adult, he always maintained his cultural connectivity to the land of his birth. Denroy carried himself with a singular sartorial profile with the aura of a falasha. He hailed from May Pen, Clarendon and had music in his blood, being the cousin of the prolific artiste, Toots [Hibbert]. He also gave the world a family of outstanding musicians in the critically acclaimed Morgan Heritage, but his mentorship to emerging artistes goes far beyond his progeny,” McIntosh said.

Denroy Morgan came to musical prominence in the 1970s with the mega hit I’ll Do Anything For You, which was also the name of his 1981 album. This R&B record with a glaring reggae lilt set him apart from his peers and led him to be the first reggae artiste to be signed to the RCA label.

PROLIFIC GROUP

Formed in 1969, the Mighty Diamonds is one of Jamaica’s most prolific music groups. Their contribution to the global music movement called reggae saw them release mega hits such as Pass the Kutchie, I Need a Roof and Right Time. The Diamonds were best known for their smooth harmonies which was the perfect cushion on which lead singer, Tabby Shaw, was able to warm hearts and simultaneously convey conscious, spiritual and social messages.

“The EAB is saddened at the passing of these inventive musicians/artistes and thank them for their lifelong work in etching reggae music in the hearts of people globally. We wish strength and continued health to the last surviving member, Lloyd ‘Judge’ Ferguson,” McIntosh said.

He mentioned that it is argued that the Mighty Diamonds’ unique sound, in comparison to the more militant nuances of other artistes of the period, made their style more palatable to a wider audience.

“However, undoubtedly, the impact of this venerable trio greatly influenced the musical aspirations of many as well as gave power to humanity through their words and sounds,” McIntosh concluded.