by Howard Campbell
MIAMI – Keith Lyn, who sang one of many songs that outlined ska music, died in Miami on February 24 at age 88. His son Steven informed South Florida Caribbean Information that his father’s dying was cancer-related.
Lyn shared lead vocals with Ken Lazarus on Jamaican Ska by Byron Lee and The Dragonaires. Launched in 1964, it began a ska dance craze in Jamaica and components of america.
Jamaican Ska was so in style that Jamaica’s authorities made The Dragonaires a part of the nation’s delegation to the World’s Honest in Flushing Meadows, New York in April, 1964. Carole Joan Crawford, the primary Jamaican to win Miss World, singers Prince Buster, Eric “Monty” Morris, and Jimmy Cliff additionally participated in that world showpiece.
In 1963, quickly after Crawford grew to become the primary black lady to win the title, Lyn wrote Portrait Of My Like to have a good time this achievement. Together with Empty Chair, it remained a part of his reside efficiency.
Like Lee, Lyn attended St. George’s School in Kingston, a number one highschool run by Jesuits. It additionally had many Chinese language college students. A few of them made a reputation in music. This consists of bassist Phil Chen, who performed with Rod Stewart. It additionally consists of guitarist Mikey Chung, who recorded with Peter Tosh’s Phrase, Sound And Energy Band.
Lyn left The Dragonaires in 1978 and settled in South Florida the place he lived for a few years. Like fellow Jamaicans Pluto Shervington and Ernie Smith, he was an everyday on the Miami membership scene.
Keith Lyn leaves behind six youngsters, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, together with siblings. In recognition of his contributions to Jamaican music, he acquired the Order of Distinction from the federal government in 2020.
