They came from near and far, and in everyone’s special way, the man of the moment had to be properly recognised.
Winston Churchill Laughton Blake, from the famous Merritone Music, was hailed in words and music as one of the fine ambassadors of the Jamaican art form.
Blake, who died on February 27, aged 75, was remembered in unorthodox, though classy way by the hundreds who turned up at The Pavillion, Hope Botanical Gardens, yesterday.
Blake’s Kingston College schoolmate Delano “Zack” Harrison, QC, reflected on some of the finer points of his close friend.
“As a first former at Kingston College, Winston, who was an older boy than I, made it clear from early that he was a great entertainer. He wore a different type of khaki, dressed differently, and every new hairstyle he was the first one in it. Years to come, as a sixth former, I got my first exposure to Merritone music. They played at an Independence party that I had attended, and from there on Merritone represented the greater part of exposure to real happiness since it satisfied my interest in music.
Winston, representing Merritone, played music differently from everyone else. He applied great intelligence both in practicality and emotionally. He knew how to read those whom he was entertaining, alternating the music in a way that people kept dancing. It is a great loss to the entertainmet world and particularly to Merritone, but I hope that the legacy of Merritone will continue,” Harrison said.
Artiste Ernie Smith also lauded the fallen music hero.
“My first recording was the song called I Can’t Take It, which was recorded at Federal, but it was given to Merritone for distribution, so my connection with Merritone is one from the beginning of my career. His turntable was always there for all those who needed. He was a generous man and a great loss to all of us. It is truly great to be here to celebrate a great man,” Smith said.
After kissing Blake’s portrait, Merle Bunny Watson gave an emotional tribute. “If I had to walk on water, I would have to be here for Winston. He has been a great friend, like a big brother, even though we are the same age. I have never heard him say anything derogatory or impolite about anyone, irrespective of who the person was or did. He loved and he was love, he was humble, and for these reasons among others I will treasure my memory of Winston until the day I die.”
Music historian Clyde McKenzie said that the stories that can be told about Blake are endless.
“There is a lot to be said about Winston. He was a very good friend to me; we would spend hours talking about music and life. He was an amazingly kind person, his contribution to the development of the Jamaican music is without question. He has helped to unearth and promote so many artistes, like Beres Hammond, The Mighty Diamonds, The Tamlins. His role in Jamaican music is impressive — its larger than life and it is something that we will cherish forever. Merritone Music is forever,” McKenzie said.
For Fab Five band member, drummer and lead vocalist Astley ‘Grub’ Cooper, “Meritone” as he called Blake, was the “boss”. He is a man deserving of respect, he was selfish exposing many young acts and acting as our musical ambassador on various world stages. I, having my personal experience, in the 1970s when Fab 5 was formed, he assisted us to find shows and to develop, and when he invited us to play for the first time with him, we knew then that we had arrived because that was a privilege only those who were ready got. He was like a father to everyone; his contribution to the musical landscape in the Jamaica and the development of many top-class acts is remarkable.”
Singer Shirley McLean described Blake as someone who made himself available, “whether you were in the music business or not, and he was always willing to impart knowledge”.
McLean said that Blake was always advising people and generally was a loving person. “It is very difficult at this time to really express how much we miss him and especially for me, I did not realise that he was ill or had any inclination that something like this was going to happen, so I am still very much in shock. But still, I am happy because I was able to meet him on this journey; I am happy that our paths crossed while I am on this planet,” McLean said.
Blake, according to Angella Dawkins, was not just a friend, “he was the epitome of love.
“His devotion to his friends and family was next to none. He represented humility, very giving, and every conversation with him had food for thought. He was a genius at bringing people together with his love and his dedication to music. He was a phenomenal man and that can be seen in how many people have come out today to celebrate his life,” Dawkins said.
