DON DRUMMOND (1932 - 1969)
Regarded as Jamaica’s best trombonist in his time, Don Drummond’s life and music continue to marvel. A product of the Alpha Boys School, Drummond was born in 1932. His musical talent became evident while at Alpha where he spent seven years (1943-50) occasionally performing at venues such as Bournemouth in the Eric Deans All Stars Band.
In 1962, he joined the Skatalites and from then on became a household name. The Skatalites were regarded as one of the most important bands during the ska era of Jamaican music. Among their repertoire of songs is Addis Abba, Far East, Schooling the Duke and Confucius. Drummond however, suffered from mental illness which necessitated frequent stays at the Bellevue Mental Hospital.
On January 2, 1965, Drummond killed his lover at the time Anita “Margarita” Mahfood; reportedly in a fit of jealous rage. At his trial the judge ruled him a criminal lunatic. After a few days at the General Penitentiary he was transferred to Bellevue where he died in 1969; his death was ruled a suicide.