Tune of the Week: Don Drummond

As an original member of The Skatalites trombonist Don Drummond is one of the cornerstones of Jamaican popular music. Drummond was taught at the Alpha Boys’ School, a Catholic boarding school for wayward youths. In addition to learning trades kids could also learn to play music there. Many of the main musicians in the Kingston studios during the development of ska, rocksteady and reggae were taught there. Drummond’s life was cut short in tragic fashion at the ripe age of 36 with a tale of murder, madness and possilbe institutional neglect. Despite the darkness surrounding his life’s end, the music Don Drummond left behind is sweet as evidenced by this groovy cha-cha styled number.