(Jamaica Gleaner) One of Jamaica’s noted saxophonists, Cedric “Im” Brooks, has died.
He was 70 years old.
Brooks, who was a member of the pioneer ska band The Skatalites, made his mark in roots reggae music, working with some of the best known names in the genre.
He began his music career in the late 1960s as a studio musician, playing on recordings such as Burning Spear’s “Door Peep”. He also had hits with trumpet player David Madden, including “Money Maker” and “Mystic Mood”.
His sister Paulette Keise said Brooks, who suffered from hypertension and diabetes, had fallen ill several years ago and had lost his ability to speak. He died Friday from cardiac arrest at a New York Hospital in Queens.
Up to the time he fell ill Brooks was touring with The Skatalites.
He is survived by seven children and four sisters.
