WHO WAS DON DRUMMOND? SKA’S FALLEN GENIUS

Don Drummond: The Genius and Tragedy of the World’s Greatest Trombonist

BORN 12TH MARCH 1932 IN JAMAICA, DIED 6TH MAY 1969 IN JAMAICA

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This is a comprehensive biography of a brilliant musician who forever shaped the course of ska, reggae, and popular music worldwide, only to take the life of his lover and in so doing, destroy his career at the age of 30. In his short life Don Drummond created an enduring legacy despite poverty, class separation, mental illness, racial politics, and the exploitation of his work. The words of Drummond’s childhood friends, classmates, musicians, medical staff, legal counsel, and teachers enliven this story of his “”unusual mind.”” They recall the early days in the recording studio, playing the instrumental backup for Bob Marley and others, and the nights in the Rasta camps where musicians burned the midnight oil and more. They remember the gyrations of his lover, Margarita, the Rumba Queen, as she tantalized audiences at Club Havana; tell what happened that tragic night when Drummond stabbed Margarita four times; reveal details of the trial (delayed more than a year as Drummond was ruled mentally unfit) and offer insights into Drummond’s death in a mental asylum at age 35. 

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REVIEWS

“recommended”–Blues & Rhythm; “in this provocative and well-researched account, U.S. journalist Heather Augustyn aims to reach behind the myth of Don D, to place his life and work within their proper contexts…the book is a must-read for all ska fans, or anyone interested in Jamaican music in general”–Mojo: The Music Magazine; “Once again, author Heather Augustyn hits hard and deep…painstaking…Augustyn is to be commended for making this as thorough and complete as she was able to do”–PopDose.com.

Reviewed in the United States on 9 September 2013

The author does a good job of seeking the genesis of Jamaican music , born out of colonial schizophrenia of classism and racism a genius was born or two because Anita Mahfood played as much a part of it as Don did with her advocacy for Rasta music to be recognized , from the hills of east Kingston Count Ossie rhythms fused with trombonist composer Don Drummond gave the world the Ska rhythm ,this would lay the foundation for popular Jamaican popular music to follow ,rock steady ,reggae ,dub and dancehall .Don Drummond composed Anita supported his fight to express himself musically .I love how the author showed the fight by Anita and Don to somehow have a voice to express themselves as artists and how the frustration through exploitation led to the demise of them both ,it leading Don to a downward spiral of schizophrenia and her wrapping herself in his fight to express himself.Its a book of contradictions with an under current theme of love , love for music, dance,and from friends all ending tragically with aspirations dashed. Its odd that the theme is a current one throughout the world , a timeless love story , wrapped in colonial schizophrenia against the poorer class where genius shines through……”Confuscious” in the mind of “a man in the street” while he waits for his ” woman to come “. such is life…Excellent book .

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THE SKATALITES AT GLASTONBURY 2003