Errol Crusher Bennett was a Jamaican-born classical music artist who made a name for himself as a talented percussionist and composer. Born on August 6, 1953, in Kingston, Jamaica, Bennett grew up in a musical family and was exposed to a variety of genres from an early age. His father was a drummer and his mother was a singer, and they both encouraged him to pursue his passion for music. Bennett began playing the drums at the age of six and quickly showed a natural talent for rhythm and percussion. He was also interested in other instruments, including the piano and guitar, but it was the drums that captured his heart. He spent hours practicing and honing his skills, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already performing in local bands and ensembles. In 1972, Bennett moved to London, England, to pursue his musical career. He quickly established himself as a sought-after percussionist and began playing with some of the top orchestras and ensembles in the city. He also began composing his own music, drawing on his Jamaican roots and incorporating elements of reggae and other Caribbean styles into his classical compositions. One of Bennett's early highlights was his performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 1976. He was part of a percussion ensemble that played a piece by the renowned composer Steve Reich, and the performance was met with critical acclaim. This led to more opportunities for Bennett, and he began touring extensively throughout Europe and the United States. In 1980, Bennett released his first album, "Rhythms of the Caribbean," which featured his own compositions as well as traditional Caribbean music. The album was a commercial success and helped to establish Bennett as a leading figure in the world of classical music. Over the years, Bennett continued to perform and compose, collaborating with a wide range of musicians and artists. He also received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including the Order of Distinction from the Jamaican government in 2003. One of Bennett's most memorable performances was at the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony. He was part of a percussion ensemble that played during the "Isles of Wonder" segment, which celebrated the history and culture of Great Britain. The performance was watched by millions of people around the world and cemented Bennett's reputation as one of the top percussionists of his generation. Sadly, Bennett passed away on June 24, 2020, at the age of 66. His legacy lives on, however, through his music and the countless musicians and fans he inspired throughout his career. He will always be remembered as a true pioneer in the world of classical music, and a master of rhythm and percussion.

More....