PM GOLDING SADDENED AT NEWS OF DEATH OF SONNY BRADSHAW...LEADER OF THE ‘BIG BAND' AND THE ANNUAL ‘OCHO RIOS JAZZ FESTIVAL':

 OCT 11,2009

PM GOLDING SADDENED AT NEWS OF DEATH OF SONNY BRADSHAW...LEADER OF THE ‘BIG BAND' AND THE ANNUAL ‘OCHO RIOS JAZZ FESTIVAL': 

Prime Minister Bruce Golding has sent his condolences to the family of the leader of the ‘Big Band' and promoter of the ‘Ocho Rios Jazz Festival' , Sonny Bradshaw, who died last night in London. Sonny Bradshaw had recently suffered a massive stroke while visiting in the UK.

"We are losing the creators and promoters of our music, arts and culture all at once . It  has  indeed  been a  very sad period for Jamaica these past few weeks as we receive news of so many of our cultural icons departing this life, one by one', Mr. Golding bemoaned.

The Prime Minister noted that the 83 year old Sonny Bradshaw had remained active in the music business for some 60-years and just June this year , along with his wife -singer/performer, Myrna Hague, had staged his annual Ocho Rios Jazz festival for which he had become known  since 1991.

Sonny Bradshaw the trumpeter, pianist and arranger, was famous for the formation of his ‘Big Band' in the 1950's and the Sonny Bradshaw 7',  out of which emerged leading musicians such as saxophonist Dean Fraser and drummer, Desi Jones . However, Mr. Golding  noted that   dear to his heart was another of  his  pet projects -the  30 year old Tastee Talent Contest. ‘It was this avenue that provided Sonny Bradshaw the early opportunities to uncover  a new generation of many of Jamaica's  upcoming artistes of this era, those who might never otherwise been brought to our attention', Mr. Golding said.

‘The recognition and accolades given to him are most deserving for a man who has given so much to Jamaican music and yet remained so humble throughout. I extend my condolences to his wife Myrna, his children, the rest of his family as well as members of the music fraternity', Mr. Golding said.