Don Drummond was a legendary Jamaican ska and reggae trombonist, whose innovative play style and compositions have earned him a hallowed place in the pantheon of music greats. Born on March 12, 1932, in Kingston, Drummond became a key figure in the creation and popularization of ska music in the late 1950s and early 1960s. As one of the original members of the influential band The Skatalites, formed in 1963, he contributed to the development of a sound that would resonate around the world and lay the groundwork for what would evolve into rocksteady and reggae.

Widely known as a musical genius with a troubled soul, Don Drummond's life was as complex and haunting as some of his songwriting. Despite battling mental health issues, Drummond was a prolific songwriter and his compositions like "Eastern Standard Time" and "Latin Goes Ska" have stood the test of time, becoming staples of the ska genre. His personal struggles, unfortunately, overshadowed his career, leading to his premature end. Don Drummond passed away on May 6, 1969, under tragic circumstances, but his musical legacy continues to be celebrated posthumously through collections and tributes like "Don Cosmic" and "Memorial Album," which showcase the enduring power of his work in Jamaica's musical heritage and beyond.

Genres

Jamaican Ska

Rocksteady

Latest Release

One Beer, One Scotch, One Burbon (Take 1)

Don Drummond•

The Skatalites

Single - Released August 21, 2015