Contributed by Geoffrey Shields
Barry Davies. OD Barry Davies, OD, renowned radio and TV broadcaster, musician, teacher and choral director died in Florida,on June 1, 2025, days after his 96th birthday. Born in England he arrived in Jamaica in 1954 shortly after marrying a Jamaica. He was one of the first to become a Jamaican citizen after Jamaica’s Independence.
Barry Davies soon took leading roles in several important musical organizations including Director of the Jamaica School of Music and was consulted on important musical decisions including the choosing of the National Anthem. He quickly became a national figure as his communication skills, and musical versatility made Barry Davies a household name in Jamaica.
Soon after residing in Kingston, he was appointed as an announcer at RJR and incidentally, in 1959 when JBC went on the air, he became the only broadcaster allowed to work simultaneously at Radio Jamaica and the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (now TVJ) simultaneously. He wrote concert reviews as music critic for the Daily Gleaner. was unique at producing and presenting local radio and TV shows in the early days of independent Jamaica when TV was becoming popular and mainly foreign programs were available. His presentations on radio and television included the Children’s Corner with Erica Allen, Sunday Evening TV concerts featuring young Jamaican music students. His live annual Christmas broadcasts annually from various hospitals and the prisons were a hit at Christmas as was performances of theatre organ at theatres and in weekly 15 minute radio evening broadcasts playing the Lowry and the Hammond Organ. Barry was director for many local shows and operas at The Little Glynbourne Theater.
He directed and promoted the Kingston College Chapel Choir in its early years.
His broadcasting roles on radio and television spread across reading the news, general commentary to recruiting and training commentators for radio as attested by The Rev. Don Taylor in a recent TV interview with Ian Boyne. For many years, he hosted the TV program Schools’ Challenge Quiz and
Mr. Hugh Nash, then director of the Jamaica Festival (JCDC) remarked that his outstanding and critical leadership in the early establishment of the Music Competitions of the music branch of Festival
In 1976 Barry and his wife Laodice left Jamaica. He continued in Atlanta to be a leading member of the Jamaican Diaspora organizing the annual Jamaican Independence Services in Atlanta. Having an unending love for Jamaica, the first thing he did every morning is to read the Daily Gleaner online and to keep up with local events. Shortly after arrival in Atlanta, Barry formed a support group for newly arriving Jamaicans. They met monthly for 3 years. Additionally, he provided informal counseling to Jamaicans needing comfort in times of loss, and has played the organ for weddings, funerals and memorial services for the Jamaican community.
Contributed
Geogffrey Sheilds
Editor's note
Barry Davies has a son who attended Knox College during the 1960s. His name is Robert Davies. I would like to make contact with him. If you have any information on him, please WhatsApp me at (876) 816-5261.
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I am not afraid to say I never heard of this Barry in media.
ReplyDeleteOh perhaps being a deep rural person with no light or TV I wouldn't have heard of him.
Sound like a great human being who did a citizenship in reverse give up big Goliath country for Little David country Jamaica.
Barry D did a great impactful innings.
Thanks and sincere condolences to family,friends and associates all in one one for another Jamaican Livizen who has transitioned.
I endorse your comment... Especially about Ms Ann Bolt... That lady is very good, exceptional... Blessings 👍🏾🌞
ReplyDeleteBarry Davies taught me/us to play steel pan at Alpha Academy in the 70s. It was fun. He did more than that there too. RIP Barry.
ReplyDelete