The Skatalites were formed in May (or June) 1964, the name was chosen by the bands leader, Tommy McCook, they quickly became the most popular Ska band of the day, both on the live circuit and with producers seeking session musicians.
They recorded for all the main producers on the Island, most notably for Coxsone Dodd, Duke Reid and Justin Yap of Top Deck.
In 1965 Don Drummond, the groups talented trombone player, was incarcerated in Bellevue Asylum following the murder of his girlfriend Anita 'Marguerita' Mahfood. He died there in 1969.
The group broke up in 1965 with the members going on to form Tommy McCook And The Supersonics (at Treasure Isle) Roland Alphonso's Soul Brothers (at Studio One). Thier last show was a police dance at Runaway Bay Hotel.
The Skatalites reformed in 1983 and have continued to tour and record the occasional album since that time though the number of original members involved has contiued to decrease over time.
The original line up of the Skatalites was:
Tommy McCook - Tenor Saxaphone
Rolando Alphonso - Tenor Saxaphone
Lloyd Brevett - Bass
Lloyd Knibb - Drums
Lester Sterling - Alto Saxaphone
Don Drummond - Trombone
Jah Jerry - Guitar
Jackie Mittoo - Piano
Johnny Moore - Trumpet
Percival "Rupert" Dillon - Trumpet
Jackie Opel - Vocals
Doreen Shaffer - Vocals
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