Entertainment Minister Olivia Grange says she is shocked and saddened by the untimely passing of one of Jamaica’s most talented, gifted, and loved musicians, Desi Jones.

Desi was a founding member of the band Chalice, and later formed his own band, Skool, in 1988.

Ms. Grange says she became his manager when he formed Skool, and it was one of the best artiste-manager relationships she has experienced in the business.

The minister says Jamaica has lost one of its greatest musical talents, adding that Desi was a musician’s musician, whose skills crossed musical boundaries, and importantly, he took the time to advance younger artistes, regardless of their development or their instrument.

In 2019 Desi was recognized by the government for his contribution to the development of Jamaican music in the genres of reggae, show music and jazz.