RIP: Jim Pedigo of Magadog
Music News | Apr 27th, 2013
Keyboardist/vocalist Jim Pedigo of the Florida ska band Magadog has passed away at the age of 50. Magadog might not have been well known as other ska bands but they were one of the pioneers in the Florida ska scene (and on Moon Ska Records). Their song “Pipeline” is one I listened to plenty of times earlier in my ska listening career and I caught the band once or twice during the many Moon Ska / Wetlands’ showcases. Jim’s awesome keyboard playing & vocals will be missed!
Pedigo, James Eric, “Jimmy”, 50, Clearwater, FL, passed away on Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013 at Woodside Hospice of Pinellas Park. He was proud to be born and live his life in Clearwater, Florida. Jimmy was a descendant of Pinellas County’s famed Odet Philippe and his daughter, Merliney Philippe Booth and Grandmother, Teama Booth Pedigo. He was a lifelong musician specializing in vocals, keyboards and guitar. He was co-creator of Tampa Bay’s favorite Ska band, Magadog, a 20-year staple on the music scene. Jim was everybody’s favorite at Macy’s Department Store, not only because of his sweet personality, but because he sold them Godiva chocolate!
[Sylvan Abbey]
Magadog was formed in 1992, in Tampa, and are regarded as the pioneering Florida ska band of Ska’s Third Wave. The band, featuring keyboardist/vocalist Jim Pedigo, guitarist Jeff Kinsman, trombonist/vocalist Ed Trombakian, bassist Dave Akright, trumpeter Christian Woodall, saxophonist Patty Mayes, drummer Steve Hawes, and percussion/vocalist Ed Lowery, released four albums and appeared on over 10 ska compilations. In 1995-1996 Magadog appeared on an episode of NBC’s “Seaquest” and MTV’s “120 Minutes” debuted the band’s video, “Monkey In The Whitehouse”. Magadog has had countless U.S. tours along with bands such as The Skatalites, The Toasters, and The Pietasters. The lineup of Magadog has changed over the years since its inception, with Ed Lowery, Dave Akright, and Jim Pedigo remaining as the band’s original members.