Cedric Brooks, a Jamaican saxophone player and influential roots reggae musician, has died. He was 70. Brooks also was a member of the Jamaican ska band The Skatalites. A moment of silence was observed this weekend in Florida during the International Reggae and World Music Awards.
One of Brooks’ sisters, Paulette Keise, said he died Friday of cardiac arrest at New York Hospital Queens. She said Saturday that he suffered from high blood pressure and diabetes and fell ill several years ago, losing his ability to speak.
Brooks began his music career in the late 1960s as a studio musician, playing in songs such as Burning Spear’s “Door Peep.” He also had hits with trumpet player David Madden including “Money Maker” and “Mystic Mood.”
He is survived by seven children and four sisters.
