JamaicaObserver.com: Afro-Cuban Opera Singer Mercedes Kirkwood, 92, Receives National Honor in Jamaica

Mercedes Kirkwood (Jamaica Gleaner)

Michael S. Wright writes about Afro-Cuban opera singer Mercedes Kirkwood:

Bill, 

This would be of interest to some. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/92-year-old-opera-singer-Mercedes-Kirkwood-to-receive-CD-Heroes-Day

I may have reported an article in the Jamaican Gleaner when she turned 90.

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110508/out/out7.html

Kind regards

Mike

Jamaica Observer

October 19, 2013

Kirkwood will receive the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander (CD), for outstanding contribution to the development of the Jamaican musical theatre, at the 2013 National Honours and Awards Ceremony, to be held on Monday, October 21 (Heroes Day), at King’s House.

“I have always enjoyed singing; it has always touched my heart,” she says. “I feel very proud, and quite honoured that I have been remembered for my contribution to Jamaican musical theatre. It is a good feeling to know that I have gone down into Jamaica’s history, the emotion is quite ecstatic,” she said.

Kirkwood, who is affectionately called GG, was born in Del Rio, Cuba, and started singing at age three.

Years later, she relocated to Jamaica, and attended Jamaica School of Music (JSM), where it was discovered that she had a stunning voice, perfect for opera.

During her tenure at JSM, she became a popular favourite, appearing frequently in several concerts, and on radio programmes.

After spending sometime in Jamaica, she migrated to the United Kingdom, and furthered her career in operatic theatre, for some 16 years. Here she made her international debut.