KINGSTON, Jamaica, May 5, CMC – Cedric “Im” Brooks, one of Jamaica’s noted saxophonists who made his mark in roots reggae music and worked with some of the biggest names in the industry is dead.
Brooks who was a member of the pioneer ska band The Skatalites began his music career in the late 1960s as a studio musician, playing in songs such as Burning Spear’s “Door Peep.” He also had hits with trumpet player David Madden including “Money Maker” and “Mystic Mood.”
His sister, Paulette Keise, said Cedric, who suffered from high blood pressure and diabetes, fell ill several years ago and lost his ability to speak. He died Friday of cardiac arrest at New York Hospital Queens.
At the time he fell ill Brooks was touring with The Skatalites.
Cedric Brooks is survived by seven children and four sisters.
He was 70 years old.
