Roots Reggae singer Jesse Royal is mourning the death of his mother Heather Grey.
According to the singer, Grey passed away at the University Hospital of the West Indies in St Andrew on Friday, May 5. She was 59. The cause of death was undisclosed.
“I can’t find words to express the sadness that I feel. It rough, it rough. We both celebrated our birthday on April 29 and now she is not here. Birthdays will never be the same without her,” Jesse Royal told the Jamaica Observer yesterday.
“My daughter was born a few months ago and that was a very high point in my life, and now my mother has passed, bringing me to a very low point. But things like these teach us how to love others and appreciate life,” he continued.
Jesse Royal said while his mother only had two biological children, she played the role of mother to many.
“She loved the youths and always want them to have a chance in society, and that was always a big lesson for me. She also enjoyed music, so my love for music started through her. She was always active in her church choir both in Montego Bay and then Kingston,” he said.
In addition to working closely with the youth, Jesse Royal said his mother also worked in Africa, Dubai, and other countries.
“She was a really classy lady who spoke at least six different languages. She was also a former manager at JAGAS (Jamaican-German Automotive School),” he said.
A thanksgiving service for Grey will be held at the University Chapel, Mona campus, in St Andrew on Friday, May 19.
The St James-born Jesse Royal (given name Jesse Grey) has been recording since he was 15. He learned the ropes from late producer Philip “Fattis” Burrell, who also helped launch the careers of Ini Kamoze, Luciano, and Sizzla. Burrell passed away in 2011.
Jesse Royal is known for a slew of hits including Modern Day Judas, This Morning, Cool and Deadly, and Gimmie Likkle.
– Simone Morgan-Lindo
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