Gilmore Grant, co-founder of harmony group The Silvertones, died last Wednesday at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH). He was 72.
Keith Coley, who started the trio with Grant and Delroy Denton in 1964, told theJamaica Observer he last spoke to his friend on Monday.
“Him tell mi him stomach wasn’t feeling too well an’ him was going to ‘Public’(Kingston Public Hospital). Wednesday I shock fi hear him dead,” said Coley.
Violet Grant, one of his six children, said Grant had experienced stomach pains since his return from Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth, two weeks ago, where The Silvertones did a show.
He went to the hospital on Monday and was admitted there the following morning.Grant and Coley co-wrote the song Smile, which was recorded for producer Clement ‘Coxson’ Dodd in 1977.
Smile, which is The Silvertones signature, featured Coley on lead vocals. It has been covered by several artists.
Grant wrote and sang lead on some of The Silvertones’ songs, including Suffering Child and Stop Crying. The group had other hits,including a cover of Brook Benton’sTrue Confession and Guns Fever.
Born in Highgate, St Mary, Gilmore Grant is survived by his wife, children and several grandchildren. His funeral service is scheduled for April 23 at the Galilee Gospel Hall Church.
—By Howard Campbell
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