The last farewell to Junior Murvin! The star of POLICE AND THIEVES lies in state in Jamaica! Learn more!

The singer Mervin "Junior Murvin" Smith was mourned this past Sunday and remembered at the ceremony as a man who had a passion for music, family and humanity. Murvin, best known for the 1976 hit "Police and Thieves", died on December 2 at Portland, aged 64. His brother, Michael Lee, said Murvin was so committed to his family that he even turned down tours to be closer and raise his children. He was also remembered by his son Kevin as a great sportsman: My father had a passion for music, but he also loved sports... he was an excellent goalkeeper! But music was his life, so much so that he never had a regular job, he always dedicated himself to art.". Friends - and also musicians - Bongo Herman and Bunny Nelson also paid tribute. They remembered Smith as a humble, helpful person and an unconditional lover of music. According to Herman, "Police and Thieves" is now an anthem. The musician Devon Bradshaw remembered Júnior Murvin as a mentor, who gave him his first opportunity in the music industry at age 15. Carlene Davis did a medley that included "These are the Days", "Days of Elijah" and "Soon i Will be Done with The Troubles of The World". Joanna, daughter of Smith, was unable to complete her tribute because she was deeply emotional. Other tributes came from Irmãs Adams, Gerold Facy, Rosemarie Smith, Wayne Rodlyn and Samie Bucher. Júnior Murvin's celebrations began Saturday night with the soundsystem Piearkya, and a series of performances by musicians friends of the star. Junior Murvin's body will be cremated this week. R.I.P.