Veteran Bahamian artist Priscilla Rollins died on Saturday.
She was 79.
Prime Minister Philip Davis paid tributes to the legendary artist, describing her singing ability as “a symbol of our nation’s spirit and independence, will be profoundly missed.”
“Priscilla’s legacy will forever echo in the heart of The Bahamas.” Davis wrote on social media.
What to Know About Priscilla Rollins
- She was dubbed “The Bahamian Queen of Soul”.
- Her popular song ‘Independence Morning’ resonated with Bahamians and was a tribute to the Bahamas’ independence from Great Britain in 1973.
- She popularized a Bahamian ring play, ‘Gat a Letter from Miami’ and performed it on stages, nationally.
- Her musical career started and honed as a teenager when she sang with her mother in a gospel group in the 50’s called the Strachan’s Coral Group.
- In the mid to late 60s, Priscilla joined The Mighty Makers, a Cedric Munnings group. The group gained much national and international fame.
- In 1972, Priscilla pursued a solo career, teaming up with Bahamian producer and entertainer Tony McKay. She traveled to New York where she recorded her first album on the Roulette label.
To listen to some of her music, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5e7qvZagkI