Final farewells

The Final Word on three more artists this week.

First, bluesman Phil Guy, brother of Buddy, who has died aged 71 of prostate cancer. Phil played with Buddy, Junior Wells and Slim Harpo among others but never quite made it as a solo blues singer. I remember seeing him a few years ago - at Willesden Public Library if my memory serves me right - and he was an impressive performer but maybe lacking in originality. Sad to see him go.

Also in music heaven is Johnny Moore, former horn player with the Skatalites, who has died aged 70. What a fantastic band the Skatalites have been over the decades. Today only two original members remain but the band's sound is much the same - and it's ska at its very best. Johnny's death follows those of other great former members such as Roland Alphonso, Don Drummond, Tommy McCook, Jackie Mittoo and Johnny Opel - virtually a who's who of ska musicians. Here's his obituary in The Independent http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/johnny-moore-cofounder-of-the-skatalites-908526.html

Third artist to pass on is Pervis Jackson (left in the photo)of the Detroit (or Motown - take your pick) Spinners, one of the very best soul groups of the late sixties and early seventies. Like Phil and Johnny, The Final Word mourns his passing.