The Skatalites’ Saxophonist Lester Sterling

I crested an announcement flyer of Mr. Lester Sterling’s passing and forgot to include his birth and the dash to his death.

It was drawn to my attention after I published his passing. How could I have left out the important aspect of what he did during the “dash”? I smiled at the thought that Lester Sterling probably transitioned from “heaven” to “earth” as a trumpeter. With that in my head I imagined the angel Gabriel must have trained him very well before releasing him to us. “He appeared to the public as a trumpeter in the Jamaican Military Band in the 1950’s and played trumpet inÅValBennett's band in 1957.[1]ÅIn the late 1950s and early 1960s, Sterling played regularly as a studio musician, along with most of the future Skatalites members, in bands such asÅClue J & His Blues Blasters”. According to Wikipedia. So, I wasn’t too off by not mentioning his birth.

Throughout the annals of music history, this musician has etched his name indelibly into the hearts and minds of generations of Sak lovers.

This iconic figure possesses an exceptional ability to convey emotions and captivate listeners with his unique artistry. Among the legends that stand out, Lester Sterling is that one saxophone player whose name has become synonymous with passion, innovation, and sheer brilliance.

This article celebrates the life and musical contributions of an iconic saxophonist whose melodies continue to resonate with audiences around the world. Lester Sterling dabbled with various instruments, but it was the alto saxophone that truly captured his heart. From the moment he first held the instrument, a profound connection was forged that would define his lifelong journey.

Lester Sterling emerged during a time when ska was undergoing the birth of the beginning of the music that originated in Jamaica. He was a humble mastermind of his musical craft, he became a pioneer, redefining the boundaries of the genre and introducing new dimensions to its sound. His signature style blended traditional ska with elements of calypso and reggae creating a fusion that captivated audiences worldwide. With his flawless technique, mesmerizing improvisations, and a seemingly innate ability to channel raw emotions through his saxophone, he elevated it to new heights and became an inspiration for countless musicians.

The impact of Lester Sterling's music cannot be overstated. His recordings, often marked by their lyrical beauty and infectious grooves, served as a catalyst for a whole new generation of musicians. He brought the saxophone into the mainstream consciousness and established it as a vital instrument in popular music. His influence transcended genre boundaries, touching artists in various fields and inspiring them to explore new sonic territories. Over the course of his career, Lester Sterling collaborated with an array of legendary musicians, like Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, Bob Marley and Prince Buster to name a few.

By Rosemarie Roth

He leaves an indelible mark on each project. His ability to seamlessly adapt to different styles and collaborate with diverse artists further cemented his reputation as a musical chameleon. Through his collaborations, he expanded the saxophone's reach, intertwining its soulful sound with an assortment of musical genres and creating unforgettable moments in music history.

Beyond his musical accomplishments, Lester Sterling was a loving husband, a brother, an uncle, a friend, and a mentor. He was honored by the Jamaican Cultural Connection as a local hero at their National Heroes Baquet in 2018. He blew the Sax like a champion before a breathless audience. He also used his platform to advocate for mentoring of the youth. He believed in the transformative power of music as a unifying force and utilized his performances to address important social issues. His commitment to humanitarian causes has left an enduring legacy that extends beyond the realm of music.

Mr. Lester will forever be remembered as a trailblazer, an “icon” whose melodies touched the souls of millions. His virtuosity, innovation, and unwavering dedication to his craft of music will continue to resonate with listeners of all ages, bridging gaps between generations and reminding us of the enduring power of this “art”.

As we celebrate his legacy, we are reminded of the transformative and everlasting impact that one individual can have on the world by the time the “dash” is completed.

His funeral will be held at the Divine Remnant of Truth in Orange City Florida on Saturday June 10, 2023, and then his body will be laid to rest in the land of his birth, Jamaica. His body will be laid to rest as he has already returned to his place of origin. Rest in Eternal Peace Sir. Lester!

Hon. Peter Gracey, Sandra Fatmi-Hall, Pastor Irah Martin, Pastor Zachariah Henry, Pastor Rosemarie Roth, local pastors, Fab Five, Mr. Leroy Graham, Mr. Carlos Malcolm, Pastor Naomi Gayle, Mr. Louis Witter, John Perry, Danny Buster, his lovely wife Mrs. Teresa Sterling, family, and friends will pay respect to his memory.