Charity concert for saxophonist 'Deadly Headley'

Adrian Frater, News Editor

WESTERN BUREAU:Jolted by reports that famed Jamaican saxophonist Felix 'Deadly Headley' Bennett is badly in need of assistance with his medical bills, Negril-based promoter and businessman Clive 'Cubba' Pringle has decided to help.

"Deadly Headley is no ordinary musician as he has played a key role in the growth and development of Jamaica's music," said Pringle, promoter of Bob Marley Birthday Bash.

"It is clear to me that he needs help, and I believe we have an obligation to help him out in whatever way we can," added Pringle.

As a result, Pringle is now trying to arrange a fund-raising concert in Negril to generate funds for Headley, arguably one of Jamaica's best studio musicians of all time.

top artistes

"At present, I am trying to put together a charity concert at MXIII Lawn," said Pringle. "Several top artistes have endorsed what I am doing and have pledged their support."

Pringle said he was particularly inspired by the fact that the veteran saxophonist played on the first record made by his hero Bob Marley, the song Judge Not, which was recorded for producer Leslie Kong in the 1960s.

"This man is a part of Bob Marley's success," said Pringle, who draws much of his own inspiration from Bob Marley's music and philosophy.

Among the musicians who have endorsed Pringle's project and have committed themselves to supporting the planned fund-raising concert are Grub Cooper and the Fab Five Band, Grammy winner Mykal Rose, and 'The Messenger' Luciano.

"I hope that by going public with my plans other musicians and artistes will become aware of what we are doing and will come on-board," said Pringle. "I would like this to be the biggest reggae concert ever staged in Negril because, as you can see, it is for a most worthy cause.

"As soon as we have the line-up we want, a date will be announced for this concert. In addition to the artistes, we would also be inviting sponsorship support," said Pringle.

Deadly Headley, who was awarded the Order of Distinction for his contribution to music in 2005, was born in Kingston and had his first association with the saxophone when he started attending the Alpha Boys' School at the age of five.

When he left the institution at age 15, Deadly Headley was quite an accomplished musician and set out on a mission to conquer the world musically.