My music is spiritual - Andy

Bob Andy on how his concert was able to pull the young, the old, the physically challenged; some elegantly dressed, others casually elegant, some in T-shirts and shorts; all hues, different ethnic backgrounds, many rastas, 'baldheads' and at least one former beauty queen was spotted.

"I would hope that's what my music evokes, the spiritual. I think there's the commercial, the divine and the spiritual aspect. My music is from the spiritual. That's where my music is coming from. It transcends colour, class and creed."

Winston 'Merritone' Blake: Tribute to the songwriter

The veteran sound-system operator whose 'Merritone' has spun many of Bob Andy's hits, from 33 and 45 vinyl to CDs, spoke passionately about the man and his musical legacy.

"I am blessed to be able to celebrate Bob as a person, a talent and songwriter extraordinaire. I was happy that when he fell ill I was able to be at his bedside many days. I don't think he has got the kudos he deserves.

"I will quote from Bob, who told me he did a performance and somebody afterwards said to him, 'I can see you like Barrington Levy, man', not knowing it was Barrington Levy who made a lot of hits singing Bob's songs.

"Songwriting is the sleeping giant of the music industry. People don't realise that one record written can feed your family for the rest of your life. It's heard and covered by artistes all over the world. Hopefully, Bob has his copyrights intact.

"Outside of Bob Marley, he is the country's most prolific songwriter."