Skanky leaves world song to sing

Musician and entertainer Errol Grant, known as “Skanky” and who passed away on Monday 30 April after a long illness, has left a treasure for the world before his passing. He was 58. 

The Jamaican born singer made the Cayman Islands his home since the 1970s and was known in musical circles as much for his on-stage persona and vocal abilities as his charming character and kind spirit. Playing with bands such as CMX5 and Musical Crew, Skanky blazed a trail across venues in the Cayman Islands in addition to representing the Islands on promotional trips for the Department of Tourism.  

CMX5 was comprised of Errol Skanky Grant, Joel Walton, Warrell Pattyfoot, Richard Terry and Spencer Merren, who acted as the band’s manager.  

“Skanky did a lot of things for music in the Cayman Islands. The band did a lot of charity work and assisted the Lion’s Club of Cayman Brac in many of its endeavours, in addition to benefit shows and things like that. It was when we opened for Charlie Pride in the 1980s that things really took off and the guys started to become more popular. His personality and stage presence were reminiscent of an Edward Solomon or Edlyn Myles; that kind of command,” Mr. Merren said. He noted that everyone loved Skanky and in the time that he had the pleasure of knowing the singer, he had never heard anyone say a bad word about him.  

“We travelled to places like Tampa, Orlando, Miami, New York and Houston and had some great times,” he said.  

Skanky doubled between CMX5 and Musical Crew during the latter part of his musical career, ultimately spending the last years of his life singing in the church. In Musical Crew he was joined by Irving Hernandez, John Douglas and Isadora Ferrao.  

“His favourite song has always been Drinking From My Saucer. Even before he entered the Church it was a song he always said he wanted to record,” explained Irving Hernandez, who added Skanky had been asking repeatedly for him to assist with the recording during the course of the last few months.  

“It wasn’t until three weeks ago, after John and I got together and laid down the music for the track, that Skanky was brought in to sing the song he had always wanted to put on record. He was weak and could not walk. We had to carry him into the studio and position him but once the music started, he just belted it out and the song was done in one take,” recalled Mr. Hernandez.  

Despite his illness, Skanky sounded like a singer on a mission on his last recording and even quotes his dearest scripture from the Book of John, Chapter 14. In a touching farewell, the singer delivers. 

“After we recorded it he said to me, ‘Jug I am ready now’ it was a very touching thing. It seemed like Skanky was saving one of his greatest performances for the last.”  

Skanky was slated to be honoured at this year’s Muzaic festivities before his passing and will still be acknowledged for his contribution on the evening. “We had Skanky on the list of those to be honoured on the Muzaic’s award night before his passing. It is unfortunate that we will not be able to formally show him our gratitude, but he knew he was appreciated by all musicians in the Cayman Islands and we want to express our deepest condolences to his family, close friends and former band members,” said Jean-Eric Smith, Cayman Music and Entertainment Association president. 

Funeral services for the late Errol Skanky Grant will be held on Sunday, 13 May at the Lion’s Centre. 

“His favourite song has always been Drinking From My Saucer.” Irving Hernandez