Sunday, November 2, 2008

Farewell Roy Shirley




The body of Roy Shirley was laid to rest at the popular Dovecot Memorial Park on September 2008. The popular Jamaican singer/songwriter passed away in England on July 17 after suffering a heart attack.



Dubbed `The High Priest` Roy, whose real name is Ainstworth Roy Ruston was born on July 18, 1944. He made his entry into the music business during the mid 1960s with his unique choking style of singing. In 1967 he smashed the charts with the Joe Gibbs produced rocksteady song called `Hold Them`



Roy last performed in Jamaica on the popular vintage series `Stars R Us` held at the Mas Camp Village, Kingston in 2006.



A small crowd turned out at the headquarters of the Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes and Affiliates (JAAVA) to pay their last respect their beloved entertainer. Unique Vision Band provided the music as the likes of Ken Boothe, Bunny Brown and Bagga Case paid their last respect in songs. Also in attendance were Boris Gardiner, Dudley Sibley, John Holt, Bongo Herman, Dwight Pinkney, Winston `Merritone` Blake, Derrick Harriott and others from the music fraternity. The government of Jamaica, through the Jamaica High Commission in London, assisted in the funeral arrangement. Interment took place at the Dovecot Memorial Park.