BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE
OCT 2014
TODAY’S SPOTLIGHT
George Jones
G
eorge Jones is well known to many Bajans, especially to
those in the music industry in Barbados. This forty-six
year old professional musician, grew up in St. Philip,
Barbados, and became interested in music at a very early
age, probably around the age of seven or eight, but he never
pursued his passion until he was twelve or thirteen years of
age, and did so while attending The Lodge High School.
Several of Barbados’ current local musicians have also
attended this institution of higher learning, artists such as
Biggie Irie, John King, Ras Iley,
Gorg, Andy 'Blood'
Armstrong, Terry 'Mexican' Arthur, and Mac Fingall, just to
name a few.
As a young lad, some of George’s early musical influences
were The Mighty Gabby, The Mighty Sparrow and Bob
Marley, his love for the keyboard grew after viewing a
performance by the late Billy Preston, he was so enthralled by
Mr. Preston’s performance that he decided he wanted to try it.
I was curious about the wristbands that George and a few of
his celebrity friends in Barbados were wearing and this is what
George had to say:
By Charmaine J Forde
“The W.O.W wristbands which stands for (Words Of Wisdom,
Works
Of
Wonder),
was created as a monument of my cancer survival, and for
sale to assist with the high cost of my medical treatment and
care. A few of my friends such as Gabby, Terry Arthur, Mikey
Hulsmier, Ian Alleyne and Red Plastic Bag wore one for a
while. Even though sales were not as publicly supported as
we would have hoped, the simple gesture for them as local
music stars and colleagues to wear the band as a tribute to
me did a lot for my confidence and morale which made me
feel loved and appreciated.
When asked where he got his inspiration from? This was his
reply,” I am inspired by simple persons, who has defied the
odds and rose to great heights. Persons, whose
circumstances did not deter them from becoming successful, I
am inspired by the love of my family, a few loyal friends and
the successes of my children, who continue to soar and thrive
academically while dealing with my many health challenges.
Since he has been unemployed for the past four years, he has
been spending time supporting a few charities; however his
main focus is on the local kidney foundation, where he is
trying to help raise funds for a new dialysis machine, which
will not only provide adequate care for him, but for other
dialysis patients. Out of the thirty thousand dollars needed,
five thousand has been raised thus far. Donations are always
welcomed. Despite George’s setbacks, he stills find time to
help others other than himself. His dream growing up was to
make an impact on the world, and he chose music as that
vehicle and through that medium, he was able to make his
dream come to fruition. This former Square One band
member has brought joy and happiness to millions of fans
across the globe and the band has definitely written their
names on history’s page. Although George’s world may have
been rocked by a shocking cancer diagnosis, he was able to
survive through the power of faith, dogged determination, lots
of love and excellent care. Through this experience, He took
that test and turned it into a testimony which hopefully will
serve as an inspiration for others who might one day find
themselves
in
a
similar
situation.
George has been blessed with a beautiful, faithful and
supportive wife and his beautiful intelligent daughters for
whom he is eternally grateful.
George W. Jones, I salute you!
Charmaine J Forde is a Liberal Arts
Major at Community College of
Philadelphia, and a Soldiers Angel
volunteer.
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