Posthumous Order of Distinction honours Stranger Cole's musical legacy

Nine members of Jamaica's entertainment industry are among the 140 Jamaicans conferred with National Honours and Awards this year, with pioneering ska, rocksteady, and reggae singer Stranger Cole receiving a posthumous honour for his contribution to the development of Jamaican music.

Cole, whose given name was Wilburn Theodore Cole, will be conferred with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer (OD) for his contribution to the development of Jamaican music. His recognition comes just months after the pioneering vocalist died in June.

Best known for his 1962 debut hit, Rough and Tough, his iconic duets with artistes such as Patsy Todd, Ken Boothe, Hortense Ellis, Gladstone ‘Gladdy’ Anderson, and for creating the early reggae anthem, Bangarang, Stranger Cole first established himself as a songwriter. He wrote the song In and Out the Window for ska singer Eric ‘Monty’ Morris, and it became an instant hit.

As a singer, he worked with legendary producer Arthur ‘Duke’ Reid, and it wasn’t long before success tapped him on the shoulder. The songs Rough and Tough and When You Call My Name, a duet with Patsy Todd – with whom he formed the duo, Stranger and Patsy, enjoyed massive popularity upon their release and currently enjoy anthemic status.

Cole is among five entertainment figures to receive the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer.

Also honoured are music executive Michael Anthony Bennett for his contribution to the Jamaican music industry; veteran producer Robert Livingston for his contribution to the music industry locally and internationally; reggae and dancehall artiste Clifford 'Mr Vegas' Smith for his contribution to reggae music; and acclaimed musician Earl 'Chinna' Smith for his contribution to the music industry.

Four additional entertainment practitioners will receive the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service.

They are Herman Constantine 'Bongo' Davis for his contribution to Jamaican music and culture; Shirley Deloris Findley-Willis for her contribution to gospel music in Jamaica; Lawrence Anthony 'Dundas' McDonald for service to the field of entertainment; and Carlyle Palmer for his contribution to the growth of Jamaican music in the United Kingdom through Jet Star Music.

The recipients will be invested during the annual National Honours and Awards Ceremony, traditionally held at King's House on National Heroes Day.

entertainment@gleanerjm.com