Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer

Left: Lloyd Forrest (left) and Errol Wilson, known collectively as 'The Jays', perform at the launch of 'Tribute to the Greats', held at Lime Cay Restaurant, Chelsea Avenue, New Kingston, on Wednesday evening. Right: Shocking Vibes director, Clyde Mckenzie (right), speaks with music historian, Herbie Miller, on Wednesday evening, at the launch of 'Tribute to the Greats'. - photos byPeta-Gaye Clachar

The 10th 'Tribute to the Greats' concert and awards show will take on a bittersweet flavour at Curphy Place, Swallowfield, St. Andrew, on Saturday, August 11.

The bitter comes from the person whom the event is dedicated to, Audrey Goodison, the late wife of 'Tributes to the Great' promoter, Kingsley Goodison. "This is a sorta tough one for me, in that my dearly beloved Audrey, who has played such a part in the inception of 'Tribute to the Greats', passed on last November," Mr. Goodison told the gathering at Lime Cay Restaurant, Chelsea Avenue, New Kingston, on Wednesday evening.

Still, it is a landmark year for an event that has consistently honoured those who have played a role in founding Jamaican music. After giving examples of two honorees who were ailing when they came to 'Tribute to the Greats', but left standing upright with pride at the end, Goodison said, "The work we are doing, I can see where it has touched people in terms of recognition and respect. That is what people want. Money business can go one side."

Nine persons and two organisations will be honoured at the 10th 'Tribute to the Greats'. They are singers, Derrick Morgan, Bunny Wailer, Bob Andy, Strange Jah Cole and Marcia Griffiths; trumpeter, David Madden; dance promoter, Carl Percy; record producer, Sonia Pottinger; and radio personality, Holford Plummer. Merritone Music will also be honoured and there will be a special award to the Mystic Revelation of Rastafari, both for their music, as well as for being cultural ambassadors.

Shocking Vibes director Clyde McKenzie, guest speaker at the launch, which was hosted by Julian 'Jingles' Reynolds, said, "It is important for us to understand on whose shoulders we stand. Many times we do not give thanks and honour the people who paved the way for us.

"And this is what 'Tribute to the Greats' is all about. It is about honouring the contribution that people have made to our lives and what we call popular music in Jamaica," McKenzie said.

Giving thanks

He pointed out that "giving thanks has real value, not just to the persons you are honouring but economic as well. Part of our problem in Jamaica is our inability to preserve our heritage".

He said "many countries have derived significant benefits, simply by learning to preserve their cultural heritage". Mr. McKenzie added that "when we talk about building on our culture it is not only the innovation but the presentation."

There was applause when he said, "It is important for people in the present generation to understand that when they think they are inventing the wheel, the wheel mek long time."

Dwayne Goodison, Kingsley's son, ended his personal journey to understanding the significance of 'Tribute to the Greats' by saying "we want the world to know that we know who we are".

And Kingsley Goodison closed an emotional vote of thanks by emphasising "love and respect, that is all we a deal with".