By Andre Williams/GleanerStaff Reporter—
With his source photograph in one hand and his paintbrush in the other, renowned artist Jimmy Stewart works on Yvonne Sterling’s mural located on ‘Beat Street’ in downtown Kingston. Stewart’s source image is a Gleaner photograph taken of Sterling in December following her relocation to her new home. In that interview, Sterling said she was the happiest she had ever been.
Late reggae songbird Yvonne Sterling has been immortalized with a mural on Orange Street, popularly known as ‘Beat Street’. The mural is adjacent to her childhood home, dubbed the ‘Big Yard’.
Formerly the center of Jamaica’s musical universe, Beat Street is home to a rich musical history featuring the likes of Sir Coxsone Dodd’s legendary Studio One Records, as well as the original studios of Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and Prince Buster’s famous Record Shack.
Sterling, who died on January 17, 2021 at the age of 65, is a product of Beat Street, and residents say it is only fitting that her image joins that of Dennis Brown, Ernest Ranglin and The Skatalites.
The mural is sponsored by Claude ‘Big Stone’ Sinclair of Big Stone Records and the artiste responsible for the finished product is the renowned artist Jimmy Stewart.
“After learning of this beautiful story that started on November 9 … I was taken aback because I believe in teamwork, I believe in moving the mantle from one person to another … I believe she earned her spot on the Beat Street. This is where the greats started,” Big Stone told The Gleaner yesterday.
He also referenced Reggae Month, and the fact that Sterling’s mural is being placed directly beside her childhood friend, Dennis Emmanuel Brown. Before her death, Sterling told The Gleaner that she and Brown grew up in the same big yard.
“[For] her to actually be beside Dennis Brown, it is not by chance. It is by destiny why this spot was left vacant for Yvonne Sterling to occupy,” he said.
SHORT-LIVED RETURN
Though her return to stardom was short-lived, Big Stone accepts that Sterling brought unity and that her life story is an inspiration to many people worldwide.
“So out of Yvonne Sterling plight and greatness comes forth a whole lot of things. The Beat Street I know will be a much greater and brighter place because of Yvonne Sterling,” Big Stone said.
A resident of Orange Street agreed. “A right deh suh she fi deh. Look how it work out that the only space on the wall was in front 135 Orange Street where she was born. We feel good having her on the famous wall. The amount a people stop and look and it nuh done yet. She is gorgeous,” said the resident.
Stewart, who is renowned for murals and other arts, said he has lost count of the amount of works done.
“I lose count now, call it say is from primary school days I have been doing this, from art class then working with National Outdoor Advertising and launch out doing it now freelance,” he told The Gleaner.
He admits he is not familiar with the woman in the image but since learning about her comeback, he was enthused to get cracking after he was contacted by Big Stone.
Sterling’s career began in the 1970s, and was renowned for songs such as If You Love Me and Oh Jah.
Her music has made her popular worldwide, especially in places like Brazil.
Unfortunately, despite her success, she was living in poverty.
Sterling struggles were further compounded when the outer bands of Hurricane Eta lashed the island last November and flooded her home.
Following a story in The Gleaner, Brazilian broadcaster DJ Waldiney raised funds to support Sterling’s cause after her video went viral.
Sterling then recorded and shot a music video for her latest effort, Thank You, Lord, with Richie Stephens and Little Lenny for Pot of Gold in December.
She had a stroke shortly after and died in hospital where she was being treated.
Sterling will be laid to rest at the Meadowrest Memorial Gardens this Sunday following a service at the Portmore Seventh-day Adventist Church.
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