Desmond Jack Jones, OD 'DESI' - Thanksgiving Service 2024 ADD

The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has announced that the Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Desmond ‘Desi’ Jack Jones will be held at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, North Street in Kingston on Monday, June 3, 2024, starting at 1:00 p.m. with a tribute from musicians led by saxophonist, Dean Fraser.
 
Mr Jones, one of Jamaica’s most outstanding musicians, died suddenly on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the age of 65.
 
He was a founding member of the band Chalice. He recorded a number of albums with Chalice before leaving to form his own band, Skool. He also toured extensively and recorded with Jimmy Cliff, Barrington Levy, Mutabaruka, Marcia Griffiths, jazz pianist Monty Alexander and guitarist Ernie Ranglin.

For years, Desi had been a fixture on the live music scene, where he was very much in demand as a drummer and jazz musician.

He was also a lecturer in music and wrote the only known book on Reggae drumming.  

In 2019, Desi Jones received the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer Class for his contribution to the development of Jamaican music in the genres of jazz, show music, and Reggae. He also received the JARIA Award for Exceptional Musician (Instrumentalist) in 2023.
 
His widow, Judith, is asking for cheerful coloursat the Service of Thanksgiving.

Kingston, Jamaica @ Holy Trinity Cathedral