DR. AUDLEY “KNAPP” BETTON OF THE MEDICAL SINGING GROUP, CASUAL-T, DIES AT 73!

Dr. Audley “Knapp” Betton—

DR. Audley “Knapp” Betton, former member of vocal quartet Casual T, died at his St Andrew home on May 27. The 73-year-old physician had been ailing for some time.

His death was confirmed by his younger brother, Dr Horace “Poley” Betton.

“He was battling prostate cancer for a couple of years, but the last two years had been challenging,” Betton told the Jamaica Observer. “We’re mourning but, at the same time, we’re thankful that the suffering has ended.”

He remembers his older brother — who operated a private practice on Mannings Hill Road — as a jovial and fun-loving person.

“He was always full of laughter and a very kind-hearted person. He served very well and treated most of his patients for free. He was always trying to help someone,” said Betton.

The third of four children, Audley Betton was born in Almond Hill, St Andrew, to educator parents Enid and Herman Betton. The family relocated to St Elizabeth and he attended Munro College in that parish, and later Jamaica College in St Andrew.

He entered The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus, to do medicine in 1973. Betton also had a passion for music.

It was at The UWI that he met Drs Charlie Roberts, Lennie Miller and Richard Kirkwood who became his colleagues in Casual T which formed in 1979. The following year they had a big hit with Let’s Hold On, a soul ballad co-produced by them and Ibo Cooper, keyboardist for Third World.

The quartet recorded two albums, including Prescription For Love which had Rita Marley as executive producer.

“Casual T was a singing group born at the university. He loved the group; he lived for the group,” said Horace Betton.

Kirkwood passed away in New York City on March 2. He was 76 years old.

In addition to brother Dr Horace Betton, Audley Betton is survived by wife, Christine, daughters Kerry-Ann and Alicia, and sisters, Melrose and Merline.

— By Brian Bonitto

Members of Casual T (from left) Drs Richard Kirkwood, Audley Betton, Charles Roberts, and Leonard Miller (in front).