Skatalities member Lloyd Knibb dies at age 80

by DRW
(Jamaica)

Lloyd Knibb one of the founding member of the group Skatalites died on May 12, 2011 at him home in Kingston, Jamaica.

Reports are that he died from liver cancer. He was 80 years old.

He was the band's drummer and along with the other members recorded for labels such as Treasure Isle, Studio One and Top Deck Records in the 1960s.

The Skatalities was formed in June 1964 and was the backing band for many vocalists including Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Toots and The Maytals, among others.

The Skatalites recorded for the Treasure Isle (Duke Reid), Studio One (Clement Dodd) and Top Deck (Phillip Yap) labels, releasing ska music in the 1960s to an audience that responded to a rhythm that was uniquely Jamaican.

Lloyd Knibb (8 March 1931 – 12 May 2011) is primarily known for his contribution to the development of the rhythm of the Ska era.

He will be greatly missed...