Rico Rodriguez of The Specials Dies at 80

The Specials’ trombonist Rico Rodriguez has died at the age of 80, the ska band has announced.

Rico Rodriguez was a ska and reggae musician who played with the band on songs including the 1979 hit A Message to You Rudy.

The Specials announced Rico Rodriguez’s death in a tweet on September 4.

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The statement said: “Our dear friend Rico passed away today. We offer our deepest condolences to his family. His legacy will go on forever. RIP dear Rico.”

Rico Rodriguez was born in Cuba and grew up in Jamaica, before moving to England in the 1960s, according to the Jamaica Observer.

As well as playing with The Specials, Rodriguez performed as a solo artist, recording albums including Man from Wareika, Blow Your Horn and Brixton Cat with his band Rico and the Rudies.

He worked with many different musicians and producers during a lengthy career, including Prince Buster, Karl Pitterson and Jools Holland in his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.

Rico Rodriguez was made an MBE in 2007 for services to music.