79.6 F
Cruz Bay
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsLocal newsSunday Event at CMCA Offers Restrospective of 'Blinky' McIntosh

Sunday Event at CMCA Offers Restrospective of ‘Blinky’ McIntosh

Sylvester 'Blinky' McIntosh plays guitar in family photo.
Sylvester ‘Blinky’ McIntosh plays guitar in family photo.

Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts on Strand Street in Frederiksted will host a retrospective on the life and times of St. Croix’s musical icon Sylvester “Blinky” McIntosh at 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

The St. Croix community is invited to join in the celebration of its musical legend, who organizers called a loving husband, proud father and an unforgettable presence in the Virgin Islands.

“Even if you don’t know his music, or if you don’t know him, you knew him because he was Blinky,” said his daughter Christine. “He was an icon, a presence. Everyone knew Blinky. That was my dad!”

McIntosh was born in Frederiksted Aug. 17, 1934. His father was a musician who played many instruments and taught his son to play the saxophone. His mother was a cariso singer, who learned from her mother. His grandmother taught McIntosh cariso, a precursor to quelbe – the roots of his songs.

Blinky McIntosh plays the sax. He learned the instrument from his father. (McIntosh family photo)
Blinky McIntosh plays the sax. He learned the instrument from his father. (McIntosh family photo)

According to his family, young Sylvester and his friend devoured comic books. One of their favorites was a character in the “Green Flash” named Blinky McQuade. Young McIntosh dubbed himself “Blinky” after his hero, and he was known to the community by that name ever since.

The Merry Makers was the elder McIntosh’s band and the beginnings of Blinky’s public exposure to music. In addition to the Merry Makers, Blinky played with the Pond Bush band and Joseph Parris and the Hot Shots.

In the 1970’s, Blinky went out on his own, forming his band, Blinky and the Roadmasters. They were the “Road Champions” of the 1979 Crucian Christmas Festival with “My Wife So Sweet” as the winning song.

Blinky at the shore in Frederiksted. (McIntosh family photo)
Blinky at the shore in Frederiksted. (McIntosh family photo)

McIntosh worked at the Department of Public Works for 41 years and became director of Roads and Highways. He loved his work and was very proud of his job, said his widow, Mary McIntosh.

“We were married for 33 years and he was never apologetic about who he was or what he believed in,” said Mary. He was a “one of a kind” guy. Nothing made him happier than being with his family, she said.

Blinky was an adoring father of two boys and seven girls, 12 grandchildren and10 great-grandchildren, said the family. Three of his daughters served in the military.

Mary said, Blinky’s love for St. Croix was huge and he was very clear about living on his island and not going anywhere else to reside.

McIntosh receives the Folk Heritage Award in 1987.
McIntosh receives the Folk Heritage Award in 1987.

In 1987 Blinky received the Folk Heritage Award, which was presented at a ceremony at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. He also played at the Wolf Trap Festival in Virginia and at Howard University.

Two songs by Blinky and the Roadmasters, “Caroline” and “Papacito,” were used in the soundtrack for “Captain Ron,” a 1992 Caribbean adventure movie filmed on Puerto Rico and starring Kurt Russell.

“Our walls were filled with pictures and awards given to my father,” Christine said.

Blinky died Nov. 11, 2017, after a short illness. Sunday’s celebration is on the first anniversary of his passing.

Musicians will from across the island will be on hand to jam in celebration and in memory of their fellow musician, and Blinky’s community of friends, family and music lovers will share memories.

Light refreshments will be served and a cash bar will be available.

The event is sponsored by CleanSweep Frederiksted, Three Islands Media and CMCArts. Further information about the even can be obtained by sending email to Info@cleansweepfrederiksted.org or calling 340-227-1978.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.