BYRON LEE & THE DRAGONAIRES

Foresight, professionalism, vigour, and commitment are a just a few of the principles that govern the life of a man many call the Dragon. He is undoubtedly one of Jamaica’s finest musical ambassadors and with 46 years of experience and over 150 awards he continues to command respect and admiration world-wide. For persons who know Byron Lee one comment is repeated over and over – that the Dragon demands respect and discipline from any person who he has to deal with. But it had to be hard work, discipline and commitment that made a band this successful. Even though Byron Lee may have been able to read music in school, he had no pretensions to being a musician. Football was his first love, and scoring goals was what he did best. However, in a moment of wild abandon after the game, Byron and some of the boys – Carl Brady, Ronnie Nasralla, Alty East and Ronald Peralto - got together and, with some crude instruments, consisting of a door, a box for their drum, spoons, a grater for percussion, and Byron Lee with an antique guitar, harmonised. Enthused and encouraged by old boys and friends, Byron and company approached their Alma Mater, St. George’s College for their ... more...