Jamaica and reggae have lost two rare Diamonds within three days. Donald "Tabby" Shaw and Fitzroy "Bunny" Simpson of The Mighty Diamonds died on March 29 and April 1, respectively.
Both passed away in Kingston. Tabby, 66, was murdered by gunmen near his home in the rugged Olympic Gardens community while Simpson passed away in hospital at age 70 after a seven-year illness.
Along with Lloyd "Judge" Ferguson, they formed The Mighty Diamonds in 1969 in Trench Town, a Kingston community that also produced reggae legends such as The Wailers, Alton Ellis and Delroy Wilson.
They are one of the music's great harmony groups, releasing a number of outstanding songs including "I Need A Roof", "Have Mercy", "Africa" and "Pass The Kouchie".
Most of those classic songs were recorded at Channel One studio in Kingston during the 1970s with The Revolutionaries band which included drummer Sly Dunbar.
Like many of their contemporaries from that roots-reggae era, The Mighty Diamonds established a massive base, especially in Europe, where the genre has a thriving reggae festival circuit.
Simpson suffered a debilitating stroke in 2015 that restricted his movement. He last performed with the group in January, 2016 at the Startime show in Kingston.
The Mighty Diamonds were recognized by the Jamaican government in 2021 with the Order of Distinction, the country's sixth-highest honor.
Mister D salutes the Extra Classy Girl
An unapologetic lovers rock disciple, Mister D remembers listening to the genre's forefathers in his youth. The smooth tones of Alton Ellis and Delroy Wilson made an everlasting impression on him.
He emulates the respect they showed for women on "Extra Classy Girl", a song he wrote and co-produced with Douglas McLeary.
"Extra Classy Girl" was released in February.
"Dem man dey never disrespect woman, no time. Dem keep di songs clean an' respectful. Extra Classy Girl is for all women in different style an' fashion," Mister D explained.
"Extra Classy Girl" is the Atlanta-based artist's third song. He made his debut two years ago with the humorous "Pum Pum Yam".
In 2021, he released "My Reward" and "A Vision".
Mister D regards rock steady legend Ellis as "my direct idol". Wilson, The Wailers, Dennis Brown and Ken Boothe are also major influences.
Written By Howard Campbell