Remembering Lord Creator: Reflecting on the Cause of His Passing
Lord Creator, the beloved Trinidadian singer known for his heartfelt song “Independent Jamaica,” which celebrated the sovereignty of his adopted homeland, passed away on June 23 at the age of 87. His wife of 31 years, Neseline Patrick, revealed that the cause of his death was complications arising from a stroke. Lord Creator had been hospitalized since December of the previous year due to breathing difficulties.
In 2013, Lord Creator underwent back surgery, which left him confined to a wheelchair. Unfortunately, this was not the only health challenge he faced. He had previously suffered several strokes, with the final one occurring in 2005, effectively bringing an end to his illustrious career.
Lord Creator’s iconic song, “Independent Jamaica,” produced by Vincent “Randy” Chin, holds a significant place in the history of reggae. This patriotic ska anthem perfectly captured the joyous spirit of Jamaica as it achieved independence from Great Britain on August 6, 1962.
Originally hailing from the San Fernando region of Trinidad, Lord Creator arrived in Jamaica alongside his fellow Trinidadians, Lord Laro and guitarist Lynn Taitt, to celebrate the country’s newfound independence. Following the celebrations, he decided to settle in Kingston, where he continued to release a string of well-received ska singles, including “Evening News,” “Don’t Stay Out Late,” and “Kingston Town.”
The popularity of “Kingston Town” reached new heights when it was covered by the British group UB40 in 1989. Lord Creator, who had previously returned to Trinidad in the 1970s, made the decision to resettle in Jamaica following the success of UB40’s version. This revitalized his career, allowing him to perform at various oldies shows and experience a renaissance within the music industry.
VP Records, the largest distributor of reggae music today, paid tribute to Lord Creator, acknowledging his significant influence on Caribbean music. The record label, based in Queens, New York, expressed deep sadness at his passing and highlighted the profound relationship between Lord Creator and the VP family. The statement mentioned their initial collaboration, “Independent Jamaica,” released on Randy’s Records, as the starting point of a series of musical endeavors that showcased Lord Creator’s immense talent and boundless creativity, becoming the defining elements of his remarkable career.
In recognition of his contributions to the music industry and his cultural impact, the Jamaican government honored Lord Creator last year, during the nation’s 60th year of independence, by awarding him the Order of Distinction, the country’s fifth-highest honor.
Kenrick “Lord Creator” Patrick is survived by his wife, eight children (two of whom predeceased him), as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His legacy as a talented musician and his indelible mark on the Caribbean music scene will continue to be cherished and remembered by fans worldwide. Lord Creator’s songs will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate his artistry and the significant role he played in shaping the sound of ska and reggae music.