History means knowing the past and interpreting what is the so called present. Jamaican music continues to exhibit the awesome power of the beat. The beat is the riddim. The heartbeat that keeps us alive. This blog gives you a chance to hear what Marjorie Whylie has to say about Jamaican music. It is a Grace Kennedy Lecture titled: Our Musical Heritage: The Power of the Beat
Marjorie Whylie, musician beyond compare. Born in Jamaica. Our musical heritage gives us the context to understand why our music reaches all corners of the world.
When you mention her name other greats come to mind like Oswald Russell, Rex Nettleford, Jackie Mitoo …and the list goes on. All these greats were entrapped in Jamaican music. Here she is escorting the Princess of Wales Diana in Jamaica.
I grew up next door to Marjorie and she got a lot of ribbing because her fingers were so short! We still wonder if it is some magic that she is reaching the keys or getting such riddims from the drums!!!
Marjorie has a type of joy that is from deep down, endless and all good. That’s why I thought of sharing this lecture about Jamiacan music. Nowadays noone seems to be able to understand why we are so prolific. You find it in Music, athletics, sense of humour…….. Can’t be explained.