Barry Heptone 'Book of Rules' closes

Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

It is often said that in the midst of life, there is death, and in the midst of Jamaica's political life was the thanksgiving service for the life of Selvin Barrington Llewellyn, more affectionately called 'Barry Heptone'. In a two-segment service held at Curphey Place, Swallowfield, the iconic musician was remembered by family members, friends and well-wishers through his songs, while others spoke of his love, care and smile.

Pastor Courtney Brown, the officiating minister, said, "Barry has made an impact. He brought peace, love, and has impacted the nation in a positive way." Shenelda, Barry Heptones' youngest daughter, spoke of her father's sense of responsibility, camaraderie and deep knowledge of history, nature, etc., in spite of his only having a secondary education. She concluded tearfully, "It is a healing gift to be surrounded by love."

Painting the musical icon's life story, Elaine Wint described Llewellyn as "illustrious". Her seemingly researched eulogy gave an account not only of Llewellyn's musical life story and family background, but also reinforced character traits spoken of by those close to him. "You never knew if he had a problem ... . He was loving, caring and easygoing."

Early music career

Llewellyn was one of nine children. He began his musical career at an early age after a short stint as an auto mechanic. The father of 13 children was also credited with writing the very philosophical classic Book Of Rules. The song was an adaptation of a poem. His life was linked to the musical group known as the Heptones.

Wint concluded her speech with, "He was truly childlike and Christ-like, that is the man I know." And then asked the audience to stand and give a final applause for Barry.

Selvin Barrington Llewellyn Jr asked the audience to help him sing Home Coming Day and Ken Boothe, in his tribute, asked What Manner Of Man Is This? Earl Morgan, credited for giving the Heptones its name, and also a member of the group, said Barry was a musical man. "We come a far way. Most of our songs were sang at the standpipe at Trench Town. We meet the rich, poor and humble." Then he segued to singing Precious Time, with some help from Llewellyn Jr.

But the loudest applause was given to Rennie Taylor of Jamaica Vintage Artiste Association (JAVAA) and Roots FM. Using dub poetry as his medium, the suavely dressed friend spoke of his colourful experiences with Barry. Bongo Herman provided the rhythm on a Congo drum.

Earlier in the first segment, Herman, along with a number of musical stalwarts, gave tributes in songs. Among them were Tinga Stewart, Eddie Fitzroy, George Nooks and JAVAA's Secretary Mandito, who chanted I'll Fly Away. Leroy Sibbles, one of the three to make up the Heptones, was unavoidably absent. His tribute was presented via a CD and, based on the material, he seemed obviously distraught at Barry's sudden passing while describing their relationship. In this segment, Junior Sinclair was the MC. Between the performance of each artiste, he traversed the musical journey of the Heptones.

And after a service of mixed emotions, Selvin Barrington Llewellyn Sr 'Barry Heptone', who died on November 23, one month shy of his 64th birthday, was buried beside Joseph 'Culture' Hill, Alton Ellis and Gregory Issacs. The information prodded a member of the congregation to respond, "What a whole lot of singing going to take place."