Honour legacy of David Reid, and others like him

THE EDITOR, Madam:

RECENTLY, ONE of Jamaica’s most recognised tenor voices, David Reid, passed on to join the heavenly choir. Many of us music lovers have no doubt been thrilled to listen to him at the many concerts where he performed over the years. His voice was capable of handling even the most difficult pieces with competent ease. There was very little mention of his passing, and one of the few mentions of him was in a short article from a Florida newspaper carried by The Gleaner on March 9.

This is in comparison to the banner headlines extended to popular musicians, some whose music is not even fit for the garbage can. Some are even of questionable influence on the society. By all means, give a fair balance to all our artistes; and although most Jamaicans and much of the world love our local music, exposing our population, especially our young people, to a variety of musical genre would widen their music education and appreciation.. We are happy for such programmes as Altogether Sing; and encourage the schools with school bands to continue to mould the young minds positively.

Much of what passes as music on some night-time radio programmes makes us wonder if there is a Broadcast Commission. No one wants to suppress talent and free expression, but confining talent to a description of female anatomy, gun capability, exalting wrong behaviour and gutter lyrics is not helping to uplift our society. Jamaica has talent, but we need to encourage the talented ones to excel. Other David Reids are there – recognise them, too.

TREVOR SAMUELS

tasamuels43@gmail.com