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A Tribute to Byron Lee was held at the Constant Spring Golf Course, Saturday, June 30th. Many of his musical contemporaries were present to give support and enjoy the moment.

Lee was diagnosed with cancer of the bladder in October. This news put his career on hold until he successfully completed surgery to removed his bladder. You would think that under this harsh medical reality, one would stop working and concentrate on healing.

However, according to Byron Lee, music is the healing remedy. In speaking with this great man who has really laid the foundation for music in the Caribbean, his physical self was weak in stature but his personal self was strong as we discussed his musical journey.

"I would rather die on stage doing what I love doing the most - my music," exclaimed Lee. He took us down memory lane explaining that, "Tiney Winey is my favorite song till this day." When asked what his most memorable experience was, Lee paused then smiled, "The first time we held carnival in Jamaica that was my best experience."

The championing cause for Lee at this moment is to educate the masses around the issues of Cancer. The proceeds for his concert are going to Cancer education and research. Even though the tribute was sparsely attended, it was a joyous occasion.

Byron Lee and the Dragonaires opened up the show with a soca instrumental called Dumpling then went into Sammy Dead. They performed a short set before Keith Lyn sang Empty Chairs. Barry Biggs, The Jamaicans, and Nadine Sutherland paid tribute to Lee for influencing their music and giving them a start in the business.

The highlight of the night was Alison Hinds, who almost didn't make it in time for the show. She brought a lot of good vibes and was the only artist to keep the audience on their feet for the whole performance. She sang Roll It and Love and Unity before announcing that she would return to Jamaica for Sumfest.

John Holt was another favorite and the only artist for the night to get an encore on stage. His stage presence was mesmerizing as he sang Stick By Me, Carpenter and Love I Can Feel.

Young Artists like Jovi Rockwell, Queen Ifrika and Heather Cummings performed amongst the legends. However, Marcia Griffiths wooed the audience with her delivery as she explained how Byron Lee gave her the first big break in music.

The final presentation for the night was a series of video clips from artists who could not make it personally like Maxi Priest, Tony Rebel, Carlene Davis, and Richie Stephens. They expressed their love and respect for Lee who has served in a pioneering role bringing Jamaican music to the world.

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Originally posted by Amber:
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Originally posted by rajkumari:
his "soft lee" series are awesome! (mind you, I dnt know why he would call it that.. yippie

u edit...yep "Soft lee" well who knows...

gal you faster than lightening....you copy before me edit.... well I have had a few too.. catching me bed now... ps: will look into the Karoke stuff for my daughter.. but honestly, the CD her dad bought her is awesome..... imagine 4,000 songs (did I say 40 earlier? my bad!)..... wavey.gif
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NYC Honor For Music Legend Byron Lee



Bryon Lee

Byron Lee was born on June 27, 1935 to a Black Jamaican mother (whose father was Chinese) and a Chinese father. Byron,s father came from Hong Kong with other Chinese brought to the west to build the Panama Canal; many of those immigrants later settled in Jamaica.

Hardbeatnews, BROOKLYN, NY, Thurs. July 12, 2007: Caribbean music and Byron Lee, leader of Jamaica's best know band, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, is set to honored in New York later this month.

Lee will be presented with an award for his contribution to Caribbean music at Yam Jam 2007 which is slated for Roy Wilkins Park, Queens on Sunday, July 29th.

In commenting on the award, Bobby Clarke, one of the principals of the event noted, "In every musical genre, there is always one individual whose talent, foresight, vision and commitment is critical to the music's growth. In the world of reggae and soca, such an individual is Byron Lee."
Lee 's forte expands way beyond his involvement with reggae or soca music, as he has had a long association with ska, playing the role as producer, musician, bandleader and eventual business entrepreneur. He also dabbled in dancehall music and played a crucial role in taking Jamaican music to the world stage. Formed in 1956, the band's big break came in the first James Bond film Dr. No, where they appeared in the scene at Pussfeller's club and played a number of tunes on the soundtrack.

As successful as the band was, Lee was also having success as a promoter and owner of the Dynamic Sounds label, which was one of the biggest reasons for the explosion in popularity of Jamaican music in the late 1960s and early 70's. He is undoubtedly one of Jamaica's finest musical ambassadors and with 50 years in the music business, 50 albums and over 150 awards, he continues to command respect and admiration world-wide.

Hilarious Caribbean comedian Oliver Samuels will host this year's Yam Jam Festival. The family event will feature Caribbean foods for various islands, exciting rides for children and a performance by the New Kingston Band and much more entertainment for the entire family. – Hardbeatnews.com
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