5 months ago
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WESTERN BUREAU:
It was a vibrant celebration of a remarkable legacy, one shaped by devotion to music, family, friends, and his beloved Jamaica.
On Wednesday, Robert ‘Ducksie’ Russell’s farewell at the Montego Bay Convention Centre marked the conclusion of a journey spanning 76 years.
A cornerstone of Reggae Sumfest, the world’s premier reggae festival, Russell’s contributions to Jamaica’s music landscape are timeless, and his send-off was a fitting reflection of the immense impact he left behind.
The service, officiated by Anglican ministers The Reverend Canon Calvin McIntyre and The Reverend Canon Hartley Perrin, brought laughter and warmth to an emotional, yet celebratory gathering. Speakers painted a vivid picture of Russell’s larger-than-life persona, his fearlessness, and his status as a true legend. His funeral was colourful, joyous, and a perfect tribute to a man whose life revolved around the rhythm of reggae.
Among those paying tribute were Gramps Morgan of Morgan Heritage and reggae singer Christopher Martin, both of whom shared heartfelt memories of the opportunities Russell gave them early in their careers.
Morgan reflected on the pivotal role Russell played in launching Morgan Heritage’s career. “I’m in debt to Mr Robert Russell,” he said. Morgan recounted how, in 1995, producer Tony Cobb connected him with Russell, who was scouting talent for Reggae Sumfest. At the time, Morgan had just graduated high school, walking away from football scholarships to focus on music.
“We met in 1995, and the rest is history,” Morgan said. “He took a chance on us after we had taken a two- or three-year break following Reggae Sunsplash in 1992. Reggae Sumfest gave us a platform to display our talent again.”
Morgan spoke with deep gratitude, saying Russell believed in him when he was unsure of himself. “I’ll never forget where I come from or those who believed in me when I didn’t know where I was going,” he said.
For Morgan, the celebration of Russell’s life extended beyond words. Performing alongside Christopher Martin, Tarrus Riley, and his son, Jemere Morgan, on Tuesday night during a wake at Russell’s Pier One restaurant was a deeply emotional moment, he told The Gleaner.
“Even in heaven, Mr Russell is still making history,” he said.
FIRST PERFORMANCE ON A BIG STAGE
Martin, whose career was propelled by Russell, described him as a “general” who always looked out for him. “He gave me my first performance on a big stage,” Martin said, recalling how Russell put him on the line-up for Reggae Sumfest shortly after his win on ‘Rising Stars’.
“I performed at around 9 or 9:30 [p.m.] at Reggae Sumfest at the time, and the audience was [mainly] peanut vendors and a few staff, but it was an incredible opportunity. That moment was like a catapult for my career,” Martin said. He credited Russell with shaping his journey in music, saying: “I had to be here today to honour him. The respect is due.”
Martin shared how he often attended Russell’s private parties, celebrating life with the man who had become a mentor and friend. “He always invited me, and when I was available, I made the drive from Kingston to be there,” he said.
Russell’s funeral was a testament to his indelible mark on Jamaica’s music scene. It was a send-off befitting a man who lived and breathed music, with performances and heartfelt tributes from artistes whose careers he helped shape.
Every speaker highlighted his fearless nature and his ability to take risks on artistes. As attendees shared stories, laughter mixed with tears, creating a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to the industry he loved.
For Russell, the music hasn’t stopped – it lives on in the legacy of the artistes he nurtured and the festival that continues to honour Jamaica’s rich musical heritage.
English (US) ·