Tyrone Downie, the famed keyboardist for Bob Marley and The Wailers, has died. He was 66.
The Wailers confirmed Downie's death through a Facebook post alongside a black-and-white image of the keyboardist. According to the band, the musician died on November 5.
"When you hear the keys on Three Little Birds (and many other hits), you should always think of Tyrone. The Wailers and friends would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to Tyrone's family. Rest in Power Tyrone," part of the caption reads.
It did not disclose Tyrone Downie's cause of death, but Billboard said the musician passed away in Kingston, Jamaica, after suffering a brief illness. No specific details about the health issue have been released to the public.
The official Twitter account of Bob Marley shared images of the keyboardist with the late Jamaican singer.
Reflecting on brother Tyrone Downie, Bob's keyboardist, who made his transition yesterday. Rest in peace brother 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/rgwaLWFaf9
— Bob Marley (@bobmarley) November 7, 2022
Tyrone Downie's Legacy
Downie started his career at a very young age. When he started studying at the Kingston College, he spent most of his time singing with the chapel choir.
In 1973, he entered the music scene by joining Marley's band and recorded his debut project, "Rastaman Vibration," with The Wailers. Downie lent his voice and offered keys to more songs of the Jamaican singer in the 1980s.
But two years before taking the spotlight, he famously played his first recording session on "Cherry Oh Baby" and brought home the 1971 Festival Song Competition.
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He remained part of Marley's team until the singer died in 1981.
Aside from The Wailers and Marley, Downie also worked with several musicians and bands including Sly & Robbie, Ian Dury, Burning Spear, The Abyssinians, Black Uhuru, Peter Tosh, Beenie Man, Tom Tom Club, Junior Reid, Buju Banton, Steel Pulse, and Tiken Jah Fakoly, to name a few.
In 2001, he dropped his hit solo album, "Organ-D." Some of the music he made also made it to the big screen, playing the songs in "The Mighty Quinn" and "Slaves of New York."
As for his personal life, Downie jetted to France where he started his family in the 1990s and 2000s.
