Circa 1932 – May 6, 1969
Don Drummond was a famous ska trombonist and composer, and also one of the original members of the Skatalites. In the 50s he had established his reputation as one of Jamaica’s top musicians.
As a member of the legendary Skatalites and as a solo musician, he had cut numerous timeless tracks for Coxsone Dodd and Duke Reid. Drummond’s genius did not come without a price. A notoriously eccentric man who suffered from bouts of manic depression, his erratic behaviour earned him the nickname ‘Don Cosmic’ from Dodd.
In 1964 when he was convicted of the murder of his girlfriend, Drummond was deemed legally insane, and committed indefinitely to Bellevue Hospital. He died there on May 6, 1969, officially explained as a suicide.
Hits include:
- “Treasure Island”
- “Away From It All”
- “Love in the Afternoon”