The Specials Trombonist Rico Rodriguez Dies at 80

TRIBUTES have been paid upon the passing of legendary trombonist Rico Rodriguez who played with Coventry’s The Specials in the late 1970s and 1980s.

The ska legends announced his death in a tweet on Friday, stating, “his legacy would go on for ever”. “RIP dear Rico”, the tweet read.

Rodriguez notably appeared on the band’s 1979 single “A Message to You, Rudy”.

Rico – also known as Reco and El Reco – was born in Cuba, but raised in Kingston, Jamaica.

Rodriguez became an official member of the band for their second album, More Specials (1980) and stayed with the group until 1984, working with other artists such as Ian Dury and Mikey Dread. He also played with his own band at various festivals.

He joined Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra in the 1990s, and was given an MBE at Buckingham Palace back in 2007.

Rodriguez returned to Britain, where his music had already found favour with the Jamaican community in London.

The musician was awarded a Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 2007 for services to music.