Jamaican music stars died at age 55
Here are 4 famous musicians from Jamaica died at 55:
Roy Samuel Reid
Roy Samuel Reid (June 28, 1944 Saint Thomas Parish-November 27, 1999) a.k.a. I - Roy or I-Roy was a Jamaican personality.
His albums: Heart of a Lion, Don't Check Me With No Lightweight Stuff (1972-1975), Black Man Time, Presenting I. Roy / Hell and Sorrow, Hell and Sorrow, Gussie Presenting I-Roy, Sensimilla Showdown, Musical Shark Attack, Dr. Fish and Hotter Yatta. His related genres: Reggae and Dancehall.
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Errol Thompson
Errol Thompson (December 29, 1948-November 13, 2004) also known as Errol T or Thompson, Errol was a Jamaican engineer and record producer.
His most important albums: The Black Foundation in Dub. Genres: Dub and Reggae.
He died in stroke.
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Frank Silvera
Frank Silvera (July 24, 1914 Kingston-June 11, 1970 Pasadena) also known as Frank Alvin Silvera or the man with a thousand faces was a Jamaican actor and theatre director. He had two children, Frank Silvera, Jr. and Linda Silvera.
Frank Silvera was born in Kingston, Jamaica, to a Jamaican mother and a Cuban father. His family moved to the United States in the 1920s and settled in Boston, Massachusetts. Silvera began his career as an actor in the 1940s, appearing in various Broadway productions, radio dramas, and television shows. He is best known for his role as the villain, Perdido, in the 1954 film, "The Lone Ranger."
In addition to his acting work, Silvera was also a respected theatre director. He founded the Theatre of Being in New York City in 1960, which showcased productions by and about African-American and Hispanic Americans. He was also an advocate for civil rights and actively participated in the civil rights movement of the 1960s.
Tragically, Frank Silvera died in 1970 at the age of 55, in a freak accident. He was electrocuted in his backyard while trying to fix a light fixture. Despite his untimely death, his legacy lives on, and he is remembered as one of the pioneering African-American actors of his time.
Throughout his career, Frank Silvera appeared in over 125 films, television shows, and theatrical productions. Some of his other notable film roles include "Viva Zapata!" (1952), "The Killing" (1956), and "Valley of the Dolls" (1967).
In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Silvera was also a dedicated teacher. He taught acting classes at the Harlem YMCA and at the New School for Social Research. Many of his students went on to have successful acting careers, including Ruby Dee, Ossie Davis, and James Earl Jones.
Silvera was deeply committed to advancing the representation of people of color in the arts. He often spoke out against stereotypical portrayals of minorities in Hollywood and championed the work of African-American playwrights and actors. His contributions to the world of theatre and film have been recognized with induction into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Despite his tragic death, Frank Silvera's legacy endures as a trailblazer for African-American actors and an advocate for civil rights. His impact on the entertainment industry and beyond continue to be felt to this day.
Frank Silvera was known for his versatility as an actor, having played a wide range of roles in his career. He was equally adept at playing both heroic and villainous characters, and he often brought a sense of depth and nuance to his performances. His work on stage was particularly praised, with many critics noting his powerful presence and commanding voice.
Silvera was also a talented writer, having penned several plays and screenplays throughout his career. He wrote the screenplay for the 1966 film "A Man Called Adam," which starred Sammy Davis Jr. and Cicely Tyson. He also wrote and directed the play "Black Vignettes" in 1968, which explored the experiences of Black Americans living in the United States.
Beyond his artistic pursuits, Silvera was a devoted family man and a committed activist. He was married to his wife, Muriel, for over 30 years and was a loving father to his two children. He was also deeply involved in the civil rights movement, working alongside figures like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. to advance the cause of social justice.
Today, Frank Silvera is remembered as a true pioneer in the world of acting and theater. His passionate advocacy for civil rights and his tireless efforts to promote diversity and representation in the arts continue to inspire new generations of artists and activists.
Despite his untimely passing, Frank Silvera's legacy continues to inspire actors and artists today. In his honor, the Frank Silvera Writers' Workshop was established in New York City in 1973. This organization provides resources and support to emerging playwrights of color, helping to continue Silvera's mission of promoting diverse voices and stories in the arts. Additionally, the Screen Actors Guild created the annual Frank Silvera Screenwriting Award to recognize up-and-coming writers who are committed to promoting diversity and representation in their work.
In recognition of his contributions to the entertainment industry and civil rights movement, Frank Silvera has been posthumously honored with numerous awards and accolades. In 2003, he was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame, and in 2019, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the African American Film Critics Association. Today, he is remembered as a true trailblazer and a champion for social justice and artistic expression.
He died in electrocution.
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Donald Sangster
Donald Sangster (October 26, 1911 Saint Elizabeth Parish-April 11, 1967 Montreal) was a Jamaican personality. His child is Bindley A. Sangster.
Donald Sangster was a Jamaican politician who served as the country's second Prime Minister from February to April 1967. He was also the country's first Deputy Prime Minister and played a key role in the development of Jamaica's post-independence government. Sangster was a member of the Jamaica Labour Party and was known for his dedication to public service and his commitment to improving the lives of Jamaican citizens. Despite his short tenure as Prime Minister, his legacy as a dedicated and effective leader lives on in Jamaica's history. After his tragic death during a medical visit to Canada, the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay was named in his honor.
In addition to his political career, Sangster was also a successful businessman. He owned and operated several businesses in Jamaica, including a dairy farm, a gas station, and a construction company. He was a firm believer in the importance of economic development for Jamaica and worked tirelessly to promote investment and growth in the country.
Sangster was highly respected by his colleagues and constituents alike for his integrity, humility, and tireless work ethic. He was known for his ability to bring opposing factions together and find common ground, and was instrumental in forging alliances between Jamaica and other nations in the Caribbean region.
Sangster's untimely death at the age of 55 was a great loss to the people of Jamaica, but his contributions to the country's political and economic development continue to be celebrated to this day. He is remembered as a true statesman and a dedicated public servant whose influence and impact will be felt for generations to come.
During his time as Prime Minister, Sangster oversaw several major projects in Jamaica, including the construction of the National Stadium and the development of a new housing program. He was also instrumental in negotiating the transfer of the Panama Canal Zone from the United States to Panama, which had a significant impact on the country's economy.
Sangster's commitment to education was another notable aspect of his career. He believed that access to quality education was essential for the growth and development of Jamaica and worked to expand educational opportunities throughout the country. Under his leadership, the government established several new universities and technical schools, and implemented a number of programs aimed at improving literacy rates and providing vocational training to young people.
In addition to his political and business pursuits, Sangster was also a devout Christian and a dedicated family man. He was married to Iris Myers Sangster and was the father of six children. Despite his many responsibilities, he always made time for his family and was known for his warmth, humor, and kindness.
In recognition of his many accomplishments and contributions, Sangster was posthumously awarded Jamaica's highest honor, the Order of National Hero. He remains an inspiration to many in Jamaica and beyond, a symbol of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to public service.
During his tenure as Deputy Prime Minister, Sangster played an integral role in promoting regional integration and served as Jamaica's representative to the West Indies Federation. He also served as the Minister of Finance and Planning, overseeing important economic reforms that helped to stabilize Jamaica's economy and promote growth.
Sangster was born in Saint Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica, and attended secondary school at Munro College. He later studied accounting in London before returning to Jamaica to work in business and politics. He was first elected to the Jamaican Parliament in 1949 and quickly rose through the ranks of the Jamaica Labour Party, becoming Deputy Prime Minister in 1962.
Despite his many accomplishments, Sangster was known for his modesty and humility. He always put the needs of the country and its citizens before his own personal gain, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues and constituents. His legacy as a statesman, businessman, and family man continues to inspire Jamaicans and people around the world to this day.
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