Roots Archives Forum

About a year ago I saw an article online from the Gleaner newspaper stating that the great man was last seen begging for food on Maxfield Avenue in Kingston. Can anyone confirm this and has there been any update on this sad news..................

If that is the case, it could be a shame on any record company and/or producer making money on his work . But I would not be surprised, when looking his live performance this summer in France. Mr Byles is clearly very ill and vulnerable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbLrfl1d ... re=related

This is not a new story and has circulated for many years.

In the liner notes to the Junior Byles "Curly Locks" CD on Heartbeat there is the article from the Jamaican Weekly Gleaner dated 23/11/87.

The article states that the man Junior Byles is regularly seen rummaging through bins outside studios looking for food and suking on rotten fruit and vegetables.

To be honest it does not make for comfortable reading but its written in a way to hilight the fact that how far too often the Jamaican music industry can turn their backs on the artists in their greatest time of need.

The truth is Junior Byles is just one of many artists who have ended up this way.

You only have to see the You Tube clips to appreciate what a sad figure Junior Byles has become.

Very sad indeed.

yes terrible..can believe someone who did brilliantly in the 70's has to end up in such horrible state....

speaking about which - pretty much the same is said about Seeco Patterson, who as part of the Wailers, performed on million selling albums and yet is rumoured to be too poor to pay for medicine he badly needs...in this case it's not (only) the producers but the Marley estate which I personally find even more shameful

What happened to Byles anyway? Junkie? Drink problem?

Not that I believe it's really correct to guess and gossip about what might have gone wrong I've read that he was/is suffering clinical depression. I believe that a person being clinically depressed and not getting any help easily deteriorates mentally. A country (such as JA) where the social safety net isn't as evolved as in most western countries this can of course be devastating for a persons well being.

To hear about these artists that seem to struggle eternally makes me feel so sad for them.

There are however some organizations that try to help the artists of JA such as JAAVA. I try to give a little now and then when I have money just to show my support. If more people would notice these organizations and just let off supm I'm sure it would make quite some difference.

K

It's a bit more than clinical depression, but probably something regular meds could help, which are impossible to get in JA when you are poor.

Nice to mention some of the organizations that provide some relief. JAAVA should be getting a some cheques from fans in time for Christmas.

Please take a look at this site, and see what can give. Instead of buying another record, cut a cheque first as a way of saying "thanks".

http://www.javaa.com.jm/cms/home/

i second that in motion.

I remember reading sometime ago that Junior suffered from depression triggered by the following events which to the best of my knowledge happened in quick succession - the news Haile Selaisse had died, his house burning down and his wife/partner heading off to live in the usa.

So no drink/drugs involved.

Shame great vocalist.

Interesting to hear about Seeco and yes the Marley estate have a lot to answer for, like that stupid clothing range that was launched, that island getaway where the rooms are named after Bob Marley songs and the court case involving Aston Barrett.

We are in the season of good will to all men except great singers and musicians...shame on those behind the misery !!!!