Ovationz member George Hunter has died
Published:Saturday | August 20, 2022 | 12:06 AM
George Hunter, a founding member of the roots reggae group, the Ovationz – also spelt Ovations – passed away on July 30 in Queens, New York (NY). He was 66.
His friend of more than 29 years, Moreen Myrie, shared that “George was ailing for a while and passed away from a heart failure in Jamaica Hospital, NY.”
George Washington Hunter was born on January 29, 1956 and attended Allman Town Infant and Primary schools, and later Kingston College (KC). According to his bio, it was while attending KC that Hunter got his first job, which was at an electronics store. He fell in love with music and linked up with friends, Melvin Trustee and Trevor Flowers, to form the group the Banana Boys. They were known for the song Chi Chi Bam Bam, which they performed at several talent shows.
Harris later formed the group, the Ovationz, which entered the Tastee Talent Contest and even appeared on the then JBC television show, Where It’s At. The group hit with the song, Shy Girl, which was also popular in England in the ‘80s. Hunter also produced an all-star album titled Heartbreaker.
Another single, Too Much War, the lyrics of which still resonate today, notes that “War is here, war is there, war is everywhere,” and contains a plea to “Jah Jah ... for only you can stop the war”.
Hunter, in the ‘80s, packed his bags and migrated to the United States, where he joined his wife Janet.
Myrie described Hunter as an “approachable, quiet, humble, soul”.
“We met through our mutual friend Michael ‘D.A.T.C Mikey Dread’ Campbell and became good friends. Mikey had produced Shy Girl by the Ovationz. The three of us would chat on a three-way conversation, even when Mikey himself was going through his battle with cancer. George and I were devastated when Mikey departed. Although I had not spoken to him for sometime now, we kept our friendship into the end,” Myrie said.
She mentioned that Hunter grew up in the same yard as singer Horace Andy, and that they remained friends until the end. “This is a tremendous loss for George’s family and friends. We will all miss him,” Myrie said.
Hunter’s sister, Patricia Henry, said, “We grew up with tremendous love between us. He was a very humble man, loving and caring. A phenomenal person [who was] loved by all. He will be dearly missed.”
The Celebration of Life service took place on Friday at the Caribe Funeral Home in Brooklyn, NY, and the body is being interred in New Jersey today [Saturday] .
Hunter leaves behind his widow Janet, five children, his sister Patricia, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.