On November 24, 2025, James Chambers (aka Jimmy Cliff) died aged 81. He was singer, musician (guitar, piano, keyboards, congas) and actor, one of the most important figures in worldwide promotion of the Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae music. He was the only living reggae musician to hold the “Order of Merit”, the highest honor that can be granted by the Jamaican government for achievements in the arts and sciences. In 2010, Jimmy Cliff was inducted in the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame”.
Tag Archives: congas
Armando Peraza
On April 14, 2014, Armando Peraza died aged 79. He was musician (percussion, congas, bongos, timbales), recorded and performed with Machito’s Big Band, Charlie Parker, Slim Gaillard, Perez Prado, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Mingus, Dexter Gordon, Tony Martinez, Gato Barbieri, Cal Tjader, George Shearing, Randy Weston, Peggy Lee, Mongo Santamaria, Shelly Manne, Judy Garland, Victor Feldman, Stan Kenton Band, Harvey Mandel and Santana. As leader, Peraza recorded one album.
Mickey Finn
On January 11, 2003, Michael Norman Finn aka Mickey Finn died aged 55. He was musician (vocals, bongos, congas, drums, bass), performed with Hapshash and the Coloured Coat, The Blow Monkeys and The Soup Dragon, best known as the percussionist and sideman to Marc Bolan in Tyrannosaurus Rex.
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