A memorial service for guitarist Dalton Browne takes place today (November 11) at Jamaica College Auditorium in Kingston, Jamaica. Browne died on November 1, age 64, at the University Hospital of the West Indies. 

The veteran musician was longtime musical director for Freddie McGregor’s band. He played on most of the singer’s biggest hit songs such as “Big Ship”, “Push Come to Shove”, “That Girl” and All in The Same Boat”. 

Browne also played on countless hits by various artists including “Black Woman” by Judy Mowatt and “She’s Royal” by Tarrus Riley. 

His younger brother Cleveland said the service is being held 10 days after his death, at his alma mater, to accommodate family members who live abroad and “to allow for the healing process to start.” It will be streamed lived on YouTube.com/mainstreetvideos. 

Dalton Browne is one of five brothers who excelled at music. The others are Glen, a bassist who has recorded and toured with Riley, Jimmy Cliff and Ziggy Marley; Cleveland, a drummer best known for his work as half of dancehall duo Steely and Clevie; Danny, guitarist and founder of the Bloodfire Posse and Main Street Records; and Noel, a keyboardist. 

A member of the 12 Tribes of Israel, Dalton Browne is survived by four children and two grandchildren.

Howard Campbell