Rico Rodriguez – the trombonist best known for his involvement in legendary ska group, The Specials – has died at the age of 80.
The news was confirmed yesterday (Friday 4th September) on the band’s official twitter account. Their poignant tweet read: “”Our dear friend Rico passed away today. We offer our deepest condolences to his family. His legacy will go on forever and a day. RIP dear Rico.”
Rico (also known as Reco and El Reco) was raised in Kingston, Jamaica. He broke into the mainstream music scene in the early 1960’s, playing for various reggae bands before joining The Specials in 1979.
As well as being a mainstay on several of The Special’s records in the 1980’s, Rodriguez also played in Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra – a gig from which he retired in 2012. Rodriguez received an MBE in 2007 for services to music.
Listen to The Specials’ most beloved track – ‘Message To You Rudy’ – below.
