MUSIC BIZZ PAYS TRIBUTE TO SONNY BRADSHAW

Members of the entertainment fraternity are paying their respects to master trumpeter and keyboard player Sonny Bradshaw.

The music pioneer who had been struggling with a heart condition for nearly 10 years suffered further complications from a stroke he had two months ago and died on Saturday night at a London hospital.

Sonny Bradshaw formed the big band in the early 1950s and also directed the Sonny Bradshaw Seven in which a number of leading musicians, including sax man Dean Fraser and drummer Desi Jones got their start.

Music News speaks with Dean Frazer who remembers Sonny Bradshaw as one of the greatest music teachers. (CLIP)

While Desi Jones who was also a member of the seven, remembers Bradshaw as a disciplinarian for whom the music came first. (CLIP)

In mourning Bradshaw's passing, Prime Minister Bruce Golding hailed him as a pioneer. The Prime Minister said his contribution to Jamaica's music industry could not be quantified.

And renowned dub poet Mutabaruka says Sonny Bradshaw was not only a man of music as he dabbled into other areas. He calls him a walking musical jazz library. (CLIP)

Desi Young, president of the Jamaica Federation of Musicians remembers Sonny Bradshaw who was a former president of the organization (JFM). (CLIP)

He was also the driving force behind the world-acclaimed Ocho Rios Jazz Festival an annual event held in June in the resort town as well as in Kingston. He was also instrumental in the formation of the popular Tastee Talent Contest.

Veteran broadcaster Bob Clarke remembers Sonny Bradshaw as a teacher and a talent musician who will never be forgotten. (CLIP)

Bradshaw's passing comes on the heels of the deaths of cultural icons, Wycliffe 'Steely' Johnson on September 1, Trevor Rhone on September 15, and Wycliffe Bennett on October 5.

Sonny Bradshaw was 83 at the time of his passing.

Sonny Bradshaw was awarded the Order of Distinction for his contribution to Jamaican music.