14 Facts About Stanley Beckford

Stanley Beckford began singing in the local Church of God, and became choir leader, while neighbour Carlton Smith taught him guitar.

Stanley Beckford gained recognition outside the church by winning one of journalist and radio presenter Vere Johns's talent contests at west Kingston's Majestic theatre.

In 1968 Stanley Beckford joined a neighbourhood reggae band, Soul Syndicate, but his high-pitched, nasal timbre and mento-influenced style did not fit with its focus.

Stanley Beckford was ousted, and subsequently he became a telephone company night watchman.

Stanley Beckford's biggest hit was the lewd "Soldering", banned by Jamaican radio, which prompted vinyl ripostes from Big Youth, I-Roy, and Jah Lloyd.

Stanley Beckford became a regular on the north coast hotel circuit, playing to tourists and upper-class locals.

In 1980 Stanley Beckford won the prestigious Jamaica festival song contest with "Come Sing with Me".

Financially disappointed with Jeffrey, Stanley Beckford recorded the album Big Bamboo, with GG.

Stanley Beckford won the Festival Song Contest for a third time in 1994 with "Dem a Pollute", now with the Astronauts.

On Stanley Beckford Plays Mento, released by Barclay, Beckford was backed by the Blue Glaze band, one of the island's top mento groups, with additional harmony provided by his wife Thelma and daughter Monique.

Stanley Beckford was diagnosed with throat cancer and battled it for four years.

Towards the end of 2006, Stanley Beckford underwent radiotherapy treatment at the University Hospital of the West Indies.

Stanley Beckford is survived by his wife, five daughters and two sons.

Stanley Beckford died at home on our bed about 3:00 this afternoon.