Tyrone Downie, the former prodigy who became the backbone of Bob Marley and The Wailers, died in Kingston, Jamaica on November 6 at age 66. No cause of death was given. The talented organist played on some of Marley’s greatest albums including Rastaman Vibration, Exodus and Kaya.
He also played on landmark albums such as Peter Tosh’s Legalize It, Blackheart Man by Bunny Wailer and Marcus Garvey by Burning Spear.
The Wailers band saluted their colleague on their official Facebook page.
“It is with great sadness and a heavy heart from the news that The Wailers’ own keyboard player, brother and friend Tyrone Downie passed away today.
Tyrone joined The Wailers just before the age of 20, making his recording début with the band on Rastaman Vibration. When you hear the keys on Three Little Birds (and many others hits), you should always think of Tyrone. The Wailers and friends would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to Tyrone’s family. Rest in Power Tyrone. #RestinPower#TyroneDownie,” the statement read.
Downie was a 15 year-old student at Kingston College in 1971 when he was selected by music producer Tommy Cowan to play on Cherry Oh Baby, a song by Eric Donaldson. It won the Festival Song Competition that year and was covered by The Rolling Stones. Downie joined Marley’s band in 1974. The following year, he toured Europe with The Wailers for the first time, playing on the famous Lyceum Theatre concerts that became their Live! album.
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