Ovationz member George Hunter has died | Leisure

George Hunter, a founding member of the roots reggae group, the Ovationz – additionally spelt Ovations – handed away on July 30 in Queens, New York (NY). He was 66.

His pal of greater than 29 years, Moreen Myrie, shared that “George was ailing for some time and handed away from a coronary heart failure in Jamaica Hospital, NY.”

George Washington Hunter was born on January 29, 1956 and attended Allman City Toddler and Main faculties, and later Kingston Faculty (KC). In line with his bio, it was whereas attending KC that Hunter bought his first job, which was at an electronics retailer. He fell in love with music and linked up with pals, Melvin Trustee and Trevor Flowers, to kind the group the Banana Boys. They had been recognized for the tune Chi Chi Bam Bam, which they carried out at a number of expertise reveals.

Harris later fashioned the group, the Ovationz, which entered the Tastee Expertise Contest and even appeared on the then JBC tv present, The place It’s At. The group hit with the tune, Shy Lady, which was additionally in style in England within the ‘80s. Hunter additionally produced an all-star album titled Heartbreaker.

One other single, Too A lot Conflict, the lyrics of which nonetheless resonate in the present day, notes that “Conflict is right here, struggle is there, struggle is in every single place,” and comprises a plea to “Jah Jah … for under you’ll be able to cease the struggle”.

Hunter, within the ‘80s, packed his luggage and migrated to the USA, the place he joined his spouse Janet.

Myrie described Hunter as an “approachable, quiet, humble, soul”.

“We met via our mutual pal Michael ‘D.A.T.C Mikey Dread’ Campbell and have become good pals. Mikey had produced Shy Lady by the Ovationz. The three of us would chat on a three-way dialog, even when Mikey himself was going via his battle with most cancers. George and I had been devastated when Mikey departed. Though I had not spoken to him for someday now, we saved our friendship into the tip,” Myrie stated.

She talked about that Hunter grew up in the identical yard as singer Horace Andy, and that they remained pals till the tip. “It is a great loss for George’s household and pals. We are going to all miss him,” Myrie stated.

Hunter’s sister, Patricia Henry, stated, “We grew up with great love between us. He was a really humble man, loving and caring. An outstanding particular person [who was] liked by all. He might be dearly missed.”

The Celebration of Life service occurred on Friday on the Caribe Funeral House in Brooklyn, NY, and the physique is being interred in New Jersey in the present day [Saturday] .

Hunter leaves behind his widow Janet, 5 kids, his sister Patricia, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com