I can still remember the thrill of first hearing the opening bars of The Specials’ A Message to You Rudy. The brass, the bass, the attitude. It was music rediscovered. And at the heart of that sound was the trombonist Rico Rodriguez.His death this week marks not only the loss of an outstanding musical talent, and one of my musical heroes, but also a break in a musical thread that winds itself through several generations and genres.

Born in Havana, Rico moved as a child to Jamaica, and then, in the 1960s came to Britain. In Jamaica, he had attended the same Kingston school as another wonderful trombonist  Don Drummond, a pioneer of ska, and a founder of the Skatalites. It was Drummond who taught Rico how to play the trombone. Rico himself helped nourish ska, working with the likes of Prince Buster, Clue J and the Blues Blasters and Laurel Aitken. In the 60s and 70s he played with a host of reggae greats from Toots and the Maytals to Linton Kwesi Johnson. And then, of course, came his special work with The Specials.

So, here’s a tribute to you Rico.  And to fifty years of music to turn heads and move feet.

With the Specials
A Message to You Rudy, Ghost Town

With Linton Kwesi Johnson
Street 66, Black Petty Booshwah

With Prince Buster
Luke Lane Suffle, Judge Dread, Please Mr Sun

With Clue J and the Blues Blasters
The Slider, Milk Lane Hop, Silky

With Laurel Aitken
Bar Tender, Rudi Got Married

With Toots and the Maytals
Rastaman Dub

With Mad Professor
In King David’s Style

With The Selecter
Carry Go Bring Home

With Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra
Barrister Pardon (with  Prince Buster), I’m in the Mood for Love

As himself
Work Song, Sea Cruise, Confucious, Take Five, Ramble