The ska & reggae community lost another legend today as trombonist Rico Rodriguez has passed away at the age of 80. Many of you will know Rico as the trombonist on The Specials’ version of “A Message to You, Rudy” but Rico has been involved with ska & reggae since the very beginning! He was also apart of Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra as well. He will be sorely missed! Rest easy Rico!

There’s still no official story but in my ska friends grapevine and on social media, that’s where the news is. The Specials twitter account did sadly confirm his passing though:

Our dear friend Rico passed away today.We offer our deepest condolences to his family.His legacy will go on forever and a day. RIP dear Rico

— thespecials (@thespecials) September 4, 2015