Lloyd Knibb, Drummer for the Pioneering Jamaican Ska Beat Group Skatalites, Dies at Age 80

Lloyd Knibb, drummer for The Skatalites, that pioneered the "ska" beat in Jamaican music, loses battle to liver cancer at age 80.

The Jamaican music community has lost a great pioneer in the "Ska" beat. Lloyd Knibb, a Jamaican drummer extraordinaire, who played with The Skatalites, died Friday. He was 80. According to media reports, Enid Knibb said her husband died from liver cancer late Thursday. He had been receiving treatment in the U.S. but returned home to Jamaica earlier this week. Yes, returned home from whence he cometh to go on to the great hereafter. We have lost a true musician who played an integral roll in putting Jamaica on the world stage musically.

The Skatalites "By the Rivers of Babylon"