To the 87 Lester passed away “Ska” Sterling, one of the founders of The Skatalites

One of the founding members of the legendary group The Skatalites, Reading “Ska” Sterling, passed away this tuesday 16 from May to 87 years.

“It is a sad day for all of us on the passing of our legendary founder and former saxophonist Lester “Ska” Sterling. Our heart is with the family, the fans and everyone who was very close to him”, expressed the group itself in its social networks.

“We celebrate his greatness and his contribution of being one of the pioneers of Ska and reggae music.. It has left a legacy for present and future generations and we will continue to preserve it stage by stage. We honor him as a person and we honor him for his excellence.”, add post.

Lester Sterling was the penultimate original member of the band that was left alive and now only the “Reina del Ska”, Doreen Shaffer.

He was a founder of The Skatalites playing the alto saxophone and after the dissolution of the band in 1965 played with Byron Lee & the Dragonaires and recorded several solo singles for London producer “Sir” Clancy Collins.

originally trumpeter, He was a member of the Jamaican Military Band in the 1980s. 1950, while in the early 60's′, Sterling played regularly as a studio musician., along with most of the future members of Skatalites, in bands like Clue J & His Blues Blasters.

After their separation, 10 years later, in 1975, The Skatalites reformed as a touring and recording band and achieved international recognition as did all of their musicians..

More than 80 years, in december 2017 “Ska” Sterling appeared in Chile with The Skatalites in two shows in Santiago and Valparaíso.

Among the awards received by the saxophonist is the Order of Distinction, in 1998, in recognition of his contribution to Jamaican music.

As well received the award as a pioneer in the field of music for his contribution since 1964 Awarded by the US chapter of the Jamaican musician group Javaa at its first ceremony in Brooklyn, NY, in April 2013.