One of the pioneers of the sound system in Jamaica, James “Jimmy Solo” Howard, the past passed away 28 December in his home at 80 years after facing an illness, several local media reported.
Considered as a “Jamaican cultural architect”, presented in his Shang-Hi Solophonic Disco many of the island's most important sounds from the last six decades.
“His legendary Shang-Hi, Solophonic Disco was not just a set of speakers but a portal to a bygone era of musical gold. For decades, music fans enjoyed the sounds, all meticulously selected by the masterful hand of ‘Jimmy Solo’ and your team, including his children Dennis and Roderick and their daughter Novelette, possibly one of the first female selectors”, detailed a statement about his death that he published Dancehall Mag.
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In the 70s′ He was the president of the first sound system association, position in which he claimed the participation of these sounds in the Independence celebrations and actively contributed to the development of numerous sound systems.
He also collaborated with the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, getting involved in contests Song Festivals and Popular Songs as a trusted judge and producer of live shows.
Among his talents was photography, with which he captured the vibrant cultural life of Kingston and in turn worked on many important projects throughout the island.
He was an entrepreneur founding the emblematic Jazz Hut Bar, which became the basis of their sound Shang-Hi and of the legendary Tipper Tone.
For his contribution to sound system culture and Jamaican popular music, was honored with the award Tribute to the Greats and the Stone Love Movement rewarded him for his outstanding contribution to sound system development.
