Albert Minott – Jolly Boys lead singer, has died!5 min read

Albert Minott, lead singer of the Portland-based mento band Jolly Boys, has died. His death was confirmed by his manager Jon Baker, owner and operator of Geejam Hotel and record label.

According to a statement issued by Baker, the 79-year-old had suffered from respiratory problems for some time and he passed away peacefully sitting on this veranda on Thursday.

Minott had recently completed a new Jolly Boys album, and was preparing to launch its signature song called Day O.

According to Baker, “Albert will be remembered as the voice and figure who’s vibrant tones and eclectic dance moves re-launched the band onto the international music scene. Albert’s legacy will live on within the story of this 70-year-old group, one of the longest existing bands in the world.”

Minott had been the lead singer of the Jolly Boys since 2009. The group is survived by rhumba player Derrick “Johnny” Henry, as founding member Joseph “Powda” Bennett passed away in August 2014.

The Jolly Boys performed throughout Europe, the United States, Australia, and Hong Kong, and were the subject of feature stories by the Associated Press and New York Times.