Welcome

Jah Jerry, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization named in memory of Mr. Jerome Haynes, OD, affectionately known as Jah Jerry. Our purpose is to promote education on a national and international level by offering scholarships to deserving college students who are pursuing a bachelor's degree in music. We also assist schools in acquiring learning equipment such as computers and musical instruments. 

JAH JERRY (1927 – 2007)

Jah Jerry was born Jerome Haynes and enjoyed a long and storied career in the Jamaican popular music business.  Haynes was one of the founding members of the legendary Skatalites, for whom he played guitar. He gained his early training on the guitar from Ernest Ranglin in the late 1940s. Ranglin and Haynes would go on to work together as members of producer Prince Buster’s studio band.  In the early 1950s, he began playing in regional bands and eventually put in session time with every important reggae producer on the island. He worked in the studio for producers such as Count Boysie, Clement “Coxsone” Dodd, Duke Reid, Prince Buster, and many others.

In 1964 the original Skatalites formed and Haynes was the third official member.  Through the influence of his teacher, Haynes added jazz chords to the group’s material. From the ska to rock steady to reggae styles; Haynes continually pushed styles of Jamaican popular music forward. In addition to his work with Skatalites, Haynes also recorded with Reggae luminaries such as Jimmy Cliff, Desmond Dekker, Bob Marley and the Wailers, and others. Material by guitarist Jerry “Jah Jerry” Haynes remains popular, and many recordings he appeared on are considered essential for listening to reggae fans internationally. 

Reference: Caribbean Popular Music

By

David V. Moskowitz

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