Laurel Aitken - Godfather of Ska
Filthy Rich
THE 'GODFATHER OF SKA' DIES AFTER LONG ILLNESS
BY TIM SMITH
10:30 - 19 July 2005
Laurel Aitken - the man known as The Godfather of Ska - has died aged
80.
Mr Aitken, who lived in Leicester's St Mark's estate, was credited
with introducing ska music to the world after emigrating to the UK
from Jamaica.
Tributes have poured in for the musician, who died on Sunday,
following a battle with bronchial pneumonia.
He was known for his dynamic performances and recorded numerous
classic tracks, including Rudi Got Married, Bartender and Little
Sheila.
His musical style spawned a huge following among "mods" in Britain,
including the 80's 2-Tone movement which led to the creation of bands
such as The Specials, The Beat, The Selector, Bad Manners and Madness.
Mr Aitken was taken seriously ill 18 months ago and was in Leicester
Royal Infirmary for about six weeks.
He recovered to such an extent he was even booked for a major
performance at Leicester's Athena venue in September.
However, his condition deteriorated and he died on Sunday, two days
after a doctor advised him not to perform at a gig at The Musician, in
Leicester.
Saxophone player Drew Stansall, 36, of Highfields, who performed many
concerts with Mr Aitken over the past seven years, said: "He was a
great front man. He really knew how to entertain a crowd. Music was
his life and he worked hard. I will miss him greatly."
Guitarist Stan Samuel, 42, from Braunstone, who played with Mr Aitken
for the past 20 years, said: "I grew up listening to his records. It
was an honour to play with him."
Friend Alison Mazzei, who sang with the legend, said: "Even in his old
age, he was still so vibrant. He was the youngest old man you could
ever meet."
Mr Aitken married Sandra - his partner of 35 years - while he was in
intensive care shortly before Christmas 2003.
Mrs Aitken, 63, today said she had received phone calls of sympathy
from all over the world.
She said: "Everybody loved him. When there was a piece in the Mercury
saying he was in intensive care, there were so many well-wishing
cards.
"We met in 1970, when he was on at a dance. I didn't know anything
about him at the time but he was such a gentleman."
Mr Aitken's niece Desley Howell, 42, from Hamilton, said he treated
her as a daughter.
She said: "He always looked after me. I remember one time I was
getting picked on and he chased the kids down the street with his
guitar."
The Athena is planning a tribute evening to Mr Aitken on the evening
he had been booked to perform, on September 23. Anyone who would like
to contribute to the show should call Alison Mazzei on 07985 494658.
Mr Aitken's funeral will be held at Gilroes Cemetery, on Thursday,
July 28, at noon.
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