Tony Brevett, of the legendary vocal group The Melodians, has died! Read more on Surforeggae!

Tony Brevett, founder of the legendary rocksteady group, The Melodians, succumbed to cancer this weekend at a Miami hospital. Tony was the brother of Lloyd Brevett, famous bassist of Skatalites who also left us in 2012. His groupmate, Trevor McNaughton said that Tony was admitted to Hospital Memorial da Florida in early August, reporting constant complaints of stomach pain and kidney problems, even forcing him to cancel a show in Miami. Brevett lived for many years in Nova York, and together with his partner McNaughton they had been performing in Estados Unidos in celebration of the band's 50th anniversary. Brent Dowe, another original member of the Melodians, had already passed away in 2006 due to a heart attack. In January, the group released the album "Lyrics to Riddim", which was produced by Willie Lindo through his label Heavy Beat Records. Historically known for being one of the most traditional vocal groups of Jamaica, the Melodians recorded several rocksteady classics, mainly in the 60s and 70s, most of them being produced by the famous Arthur "Duke" Reid, who passed away in 1975. Among the Melodians' biggest hits are "Swing and Dine", "Little Nut Tree" and the hit "Rivers of Babylon". He was very limited by the fact that he was part of a group. Tony could have easily been one of Jamaica's great "Lovers Rock" singers. These are the words of producer Michael Barnett, of MKB Produções, who describes Brevett as an underrated vocalist. Tony Brevett even released a solo hit in the 70s, called "Don’t Get Weary".

IN MEMORIAM

 Check out this and other legends that have already left us, in the special section "In Memoriam".