The Jamaican singer Jackie Bernard, for a time the leader of the group The Kingstonians, passed away on Tuesday 16 September, in Kingston. Formed around 1966 with his brother Lloyd "Footy" Bernard and a mutual friend, Lloyd Kerr, The Kingstonians offered their services to producers Sir J.J. Johnson, Coxsone Dodd and Sonia Pottinger, but it was with Derrick Harriott that they enjoyed their finest period, with the hits Singer Man and Sufferer (the album of the same name –essential– released in 1970 brings together Harriott's productions).
The group split up in the early 1970s and Jackie Bernard embarked on a solo career. He can be found alongside Coxsone Dodd, Harry J, Lee Perry, and even Jimmy Cliff in the 1980s on his Oneness label. Despite a full career, Jackie Bernard was far from living in comfort, especially as his health was deteriorating: doctors diagnosed diabetes. Moved by his situation, Rafael Ruiz created the Jackie Bernard Foundation and organised a fundraising campaign in January 2014 to help him. The funds raised made it possible to renovate his small home on Maxfield Avenue, and to provide him with the medical care he needed. But not to win this last battle. RIP, Jackie Bernard.
Sufferer :
Never Changing Harmony :
Dread Out There :
Musical Explosion :
When Rasta leave Babylon :
Ups & Downs :
