Jamaican world-famous bass player Phil Chen dies at 75
Was willing to give up his OD for ‘Family Man’
Published:Friday | December 17, 2021 | 7:17 AMYasmine Peru/Senior Gleaner Writer
“The story of legendary bass player Phil Chen is perhaps one of the greatest untold stories of Jamaican music. This little Chiney boy played with the most famous singers and musicians in the world. Think Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton, The Doors, Peter Tosh, Desmond Decker, and the list goes on,” Tommy Cowan told The Gleaner on Thursday, two days after Chen’s passing.
Chen, who was 75 at the time of his death, played on more than 50 gold and platinum records throughout his career. His family announced his passing via Facebook.
The post stated: “Dear friends and family of Phil Chen, with heavy hearts we share the news that Phil Chen passed away on the morning of December 14, 2021, after a long battle with cancer. He spent his final days surrounded by family and close friends and cherished time with his grandchildren, who always brightened his day. He will be missed greatly, and his contagious passion for music and positive energy on and off the stage will be remembered always. ‘Master your music; your future is immeasurable.’ We thank you for your outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.”
Born on October 21, 1946, Chen attended St George’s College. Shortly after leaving school, he entered music. One of the first bands he joined was The Vagabonds, where he was a guitarist, but later switched to bass when the bandleader returned to Jamaica from the United Kingdom.
Cowan, a former member of The Jamaicans, knew Chen during that era and recalled them being on the same stage.
“He left Jamaica for England, probably around the mid-60s. At that time, we were The Merricoles, before we became The Jamaicans. We got a few gigs with his band at the Rainbow Club. Phil’s first band was called The Presidents, and it comprised a group of teenyboppers; and I remember that Garth Creary was on keyboards. It was after that that he joined The Vagabonds,” Cowan said.
Upon leaving Jamaica, Chen established himself as a bass player and became an in-demand session player in London, eventually performing with the greats, while creating memorable bass lines. One of his signature bass lines is on Rod Stewart’s 1978 blockbuster hit, Do Ya Think I’m Sexy.
HEART-WARMING TRIBUTE
His friend, Elizabeth Barraclough, posted a heart-warming tribute on Facebook. She told The Gleaner, “I included the information and these words that Phil had written to me.”
Her post said, “From his humble beginnings in Kingston, his father told him, master your music. Your future is immeasurable. ‘Sista, I made my own guitar in 1962. My pick [was] a magnet from a bicycle generator. I did not ask anyone [for] anything, for if you do, you can get disappointed. I have stole bread ‘n’ milk off people doorstep in London in 1964 ‘n’ since den I acquired everything from hard work. I don’t beg, so I no get disappointed,’ he wrote to me.”
Barraclough also shared a copy of a letter that Chen had written to Lenford Salmon at the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport in October 2016, requesting an Order of Distinction (OD) for musician Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett. He expresses gratitude “to the Jamaican Government and the people of Jamaica for making such a dream [his own 2014 OD] come true,” gives an overview of his career and speaks glowingly of Barrett.
“After playing with the great local artistes, I went to London in 1964 to promote ska with Colston Chen and The Vagabonds, and Jimmy James and Count Prince Miller, two of Jamaica top artistes. I then ventured into the British Rock and Roll arena playing with Rod Stewart, all his hits, including Do Ya Tink I’m Sexy, Hot Legs, etc; Queen; the WHO; Traffic [and] Spencer Davis group, whose hit was written by our own Jackie Edwards. I amassed 50 gold and platinum LPs,” Chen stated.
The letter continued, “Anyhow, this email is not about me, but I would like to bring to your attention my friend, mentor and my inspiration, Mr Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett, who has been there for me as a constant inspiration and an amazing bass player.”
Chen stated that he was responsible for Barrett receiving a Bass Player Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award, “and I played guitar with my hero”. Singing Family Man praises, he noted, “When I was in London pursuing a rock and roll career it was Family Man I was listening to, copying his licks, making them mine and applying them to rock. I would like to vouch for him for the Order of Distinction as I cannot think of a better great, amazing musician from Jamaica.
“I would appreciate it if you can find it in your power to help him; that would make me one happy person, and if it means for me to give up my award, I would gladly step down, for in my heart Family Man has done more for reggae and the people of Jamaica! I thank you for your help in any way you can, and as de Hon Robert Nesta Marley, OD, would say, ‘Let’s get together and feel alright.’”
Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett was finally awarded an OD from the Government in October 2021.