Lloyd Delpratt was a talented keyboardist, composer, and vocalist originally from St. Thomas, Jamaica. He moved to Canada in 1967 during the exodus of many Caribbean immigrants in the 1960s-1970s. Throughout his career he worked with famed Jamaican/Canadians including Bob & Wisdom, Jackie Mitoo, Wayne McGhie, and Johnny Osbourne.

Delpratt served as the keyboardist for Bob Marley and The Wailers and is credited on popular tracks including “One Love”, “Songs of Freedom”, and “I’m Gunna Put It On” which he co-wrote. He remained a friend to Marley after his move to Canada and in 2019 he was a guest speaker during the annual Bob Marley Day proclamation ceremony in Toronto. Not only did Delpratt frequent Jamaica’s Studio One label in the early days, he also worked with Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle label with Tommy McCook and the Supersonics (the Supersonics stemmed from popular Jamaican band, the Skatalites). Wanting to move to a place where he could have more autonomy, he moved to Canada after an offer from a club owner and found it easy booking gigs, but harder to climb the ladder.

Delpratt released a 7″” single in 1971 featuring tracks “Together” and “Warm Love”. The LP was released by Summus Records who was also responsible for Jackie Mitoo’s celebrated Wishbone album. The songs would be re-released by Light in Attic Records and “Together” was featured on album Jamaica to Toronto: Soul, Funk, and Reggae 1967-1974. Delpratt and other key musicians from the album performed a concert in 2006 at Toronto’s Harbourfront centre. The album became a key piece of Canadian music history and remains a must-have for collectors.

In April, 2024, Delpratt published memoir What is Your Name?, which follows the odyssey of a musician trying to find his life’s purpose. Unfortunately, Lloyd Delpratt passed away in late September of 2024. He is remembered by his friends, family, and for his unwavering love of music.