Contributed
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| Rev. Dr Barry Davies |
Dr. Barry Davies, Order of Distinction (Commander) - renowned radio and television broadcaster, musician and educator, passed away peacefully in Florida on June 1, 2025, with his three daughters by his side, just days after celebrating his 96th birthday.
Born in England on 29th May 1929, Barry Davies arrived in Jamaica in 1954, shortly after marrying the first of his three Jamaican wives. He was among the first to become a Jamaican citizen following the country’s independence in 1962.
A towering figure in Jamaican music and broadcasting, Barry Davies quickly assumed leadership roles in several major musical institutions, including serving as Director of the Jamaica School of Music. He was consulted on numerous national musical matters, including the selection and orchestration of Jamaica’s National Anthem. His remarkable communication skills and musical versatility soon made him a household name.
After settling in Kingston, he was appointed an announcer at Radio Jamaica (RJR). In 1959, when the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) was launched, Barry Davies became the only broadcaster allowed to work simultaneously at both RJR and JBC (now TVJ). As a music critic for The Daily Gleaner, he contributed concert reviews while also producing and presenting a range of radio and television programmes during the early days of Jamaica’s independence when locally produced content was rare.
His broadcasts included Children’s Corner with 'Uncle Barry' and 'Aunty Erica' [Allen] and weekly Sunday Evening TV Concerts featuring young Jamaican musicians. His live annual Christmas broadcasts from hospitals and prisons were beloved national events. He also presented weekly 15-minute evening radio segments featuring his performances on the Lowrey and Hammond organs, and frequently played theatre organ at local venues. He directed and staged numerous operas including musical theatre productions at the Little Glyndebourne Theatre and was instrumental in developing the Kingston College Chapel Choir in its formative years.
His contributions extended beyond performance. Dr. Barry Davies served as a newsreader, commentator, and recruiter and trainer of other broadcasters. The Rev. Don Taylor, in a television interview with Ian Boyne, testified to his mentorship and influence. For many years, he was also the host of the popular television programme Schools’ Challenge Quiz.
Mr. Hugh Nash, the first Director of the Jamaica Festival (now JCDC), credited Barry Davies with single-handedly laying the foundations of the Festival's Music Competitions - a cornerstone of the national cultural calendar.
In 1976, Barry and family emigrated from Jamaica to Nassau, Bahamas where, for three years, he continued his work as a musician and educator.
Barry's next move was to Atlanta, Georgia (USA), where he obtained a Doctorate in Theology and was ordained as a Presbyterian minister. Settling in Atlanta, he remained a pillar of the Jamaican diaspora community. He organised the annual Jamaican Independence Church Services and founded a support group for newly arrived Jamaicans, which met regularly for three years. He also offered pastoral counseling to community members during times of grief and frequently played the organ for weddings, funerals, and memorial services.
His love for Jamaica never waned. Each morning, he began his day by reading The Daily Gleaner online to stay informed about the country he proudly called home.
Barry Davies was predeceased by his wives, Christine Forbes, Dorothy Edwards and Laodice Dooley.
He is survived by his sister - Megan Fleetwood, his children - Catherine (Kate), Robert, Megan and Lauriann, his grandchildren - Stephanie, Melissa and Nora, and great-grandson - Kyro Mayowa.
Contributed by
Kate Daies
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