About Lester Sterling
Lived 1936 – 2023 (aged 87). Lester Sterling was a Jamaican saxophonist, musician and trumpeter.
Lester "Ska" Sterling OD (31 January 1936 – 16 May 2023), also known as Mr. Versatile, was a Jamaican trumpet and saxophone player.
Early life
Sterling was born on 31 January 1936. Like many Jamaican musicians of his generation, Sterling attended the Alpha Boys School. Sterling's brother is keyboard player Keith Sterling.
Career
Originally a trumpeter, he was predominantly known as a player of alto saxophone. He was a member of the Jamaica Military Band in the 1950s and played trumpet in Val Bennett's band in 1957.
Sterling was a founding member of The Skatalites (playing alto saxophone). At the time of his death he was the second to last surviving founder member of The Skatalites (Doreen Shaffer is still alive).
Discography
Albums
Bangarang (1969), Pama Sterling Silver (2002) Echo Records
as a featured artist The Ska-Flames featuring Laurel Aitken, Roland Alphonso & Lester Sterling - Damn Good (1995), Sun Shot
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Important facts
People in Lester Sterling's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Lester Sterling's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Lester Sterling?
Jamaican musician (1936–2023)
When was Lester Sterling born?
Lester Sterling was born on 31 January 1936 in Kingston.
When did Lester Sterling die?
Lester Sterling died on 16 May 2023.
What was Lester Sterling's occupation?
Lester Sterling was a saxophonist, musician and trumpeter.
What nationality was Lester Sterling?
Lester Sterling was Jamaican.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Lester Sterling. https://biography.guide/lester-sterling/
MLA: "Lester Sterling." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/lester-sterling/.
Chicago: "Lester Sterling." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/lester-sterling/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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