‘Gratitude and sadness’ at posthumous OD for Stranger Cole

A little less than two months after his death, the Government of Jamaica has announced that ska, rocksteady and reggae pioneer Wilburn ‘Stranger’ Cole (also spelt Strangejah) has been awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer for his outstanding contribution to the development of Jamaican music. This posthumous award is a bittersweet moment for his family.

“We are grateful to be recognised,” Stranger’s son, Theodore ‘Squidly’ Cole, told The Gleaner. “But I’m sad that he didn’t collect himself.

Stranger Cole passed away on June 11 while a patient at the University Hospital of the West Indies. He was 85. At the thanksgiving service for his life on July 29, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange, announced that the Government would be recognising him in a major way, but did not elaborate.

“It’s really a good thing for him and his career … and we really ‘appreci-love’ it. Jah bless everyone who voted for him to get this. We are happy that my father can get this honour even though he has passed away,” Squidly added.

During a close to 60-year career, Stranger Cole, who anecdotally got the nickname ‘Stranger’ because he didn’t look like anybody in his family, enjoyed one of the longest and most influential careers in Jamaican popular music.

Stranger Cole, who first established himself as a songwriter, wrote the song, In and Out the Window, which was sung by ska singer, Eric ‘Monty’ Morris. It became an instant hit.

His own recording career began in 1962, during the formative years of Jamaica’s music industry. As a singer, he worked with legendary producer Arthur ‘Duke’ Reid, and it wasn’t long before success tapped him on the shoulder. The songs Rough and Tough and When I Call Your Name, a classic duet with Patsy Todd – with whom he formed the duo, Stranger and Patsy – enjoyed massive popularity upon their release and currently enjoy anthemic status.

Patsy, whose real name is Millicent Todd, has experienced health issues which sometimes affect her mental clarity. Kareem Ali, the son of music pioneer, Prince Buster, remains close to her, and said that they are both delighted by this honour for Stranger Cole.

“It was a distinct pleasure when we learned earlier this week, that Patsy’s dearest friend and singing partner of more than 60 year was posthumously awarded the OD. We are honoured to know that the Jamaican government and the entire musical fraternity has seen it fit to honour him in this manner,” Ali told The Gleaner.

He shared that Patsy, who was already an established singer when Stranger started out in the music business, was the first singer to endorse him.

“Stranger Cole was sent by the great Treasure Isle record producer Arthur ‘Duke’ Reid to find her at her home and see if she would agree to sing his first song with him on the Bond Street record label. This collaboration ignited his singing career and launched a series of hits for both her and Stranger e.g. When I Call Your Name and Come Back Baby,” Ali said.

He added, “Let me share with you a remarkable coincidence … the same day that Stranger passed away Patsy was hospitalised. We didn’t know that he was in hospital or anything, but Patsy took very ill that same day. But, thank God, she is out and recovering.”

The family of Stranger Cole is keen to share his legacy in a meaningful way and intend to establish the Stranger Cole Museum. A GoFundMe has been set up to help to finance this project.

A total of 140 Jamaicans will receive National Honours and Awards on Heroes Day, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the nation across various fields. Nine members of the entertainment fraternity – including Stranger Cole – are among the 140 honourees. The other recipients of the Order of Distinction Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith for his contribution to the music industry; Robert Livingston for his contribution to the music industry locally and internationally; Michael ‘Mikie’ Bennett for his contribution to the Jamaican music industry; and reggae and dancehall artiste Clifford ‘Mr Vegas’ Smith for his contribution to reggae music.

Recipients of the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service are Shirley Deloris Findley-Willis for her contribution to gospel music in Jamaica; Herman Constantine ‘Bongo’ Davis for his contribution to Jamaican music and culture; Lawrence Anthony ‘Dundas’ McDonald for service to the field of entertainment; and Carlyle Palmer for his contribution to the growth of Jamaican music in the United Kingdom through Jet Star Music

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