Larry McDonald: The Unsung Hero of Reggae Percussion

Larry McDonald may not be a household name, but his impact on reggae music is undeniable. With over 60 years of experience as a hand percussionist, McDonald has collaborated with legends like Bob Marley, Toots and the Maytals, and Gil Scott-Heron. His most astonishing contribution? Introducing the conga into reggae music, a move that transformed the genre’s sound.

A Life in Rhythm

Living in New York City, McDonald currently plays with The Skatalites, a ska band that has roots in Jamaica from the early 1960s. While he performed with the original members, he only recently joined the group. His recent tour took him to vibrant locales like Chile and Brazil, showcasing his talent to new audiences. McDonald also collaborates with the dub band Subatomic Sound System and serves as a vocalist and percussionist for the NYC Ska Orchestra.

“Conga players don’t get the press and the awards,” McDonald reflects. “Guitar players get that. Singers get that.” His humility speaks volumes about his character, especially considering he received a lifetime achievement award from Jamaica in 2011—a rare honor for a percussionist.

A Voice for Justice

This year, McDonald will deliver the keynote address at UC Santa Cruz’s 42nd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation on January 27. He joins a prestigious list of past speakers, including civil rights activist Yolanda King and renowned professor Angela Davis. McDonald sees a deep connection between reggae music and the struggle for justice. “It’s straight up rebel music,” he asserts, echoing the sentiments of many who find solace and strength in the genre.

Anju Reejhsinghani, Vice Chancellor of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at UC Santa Cruz, believes McDonald is the perfect speaker for this moment. She recalls a packed auditorium when McDonald spoke at her previous campus, where students were eager to learn about Jamaican music history. “Larry was my most successful speaker,” she says. “They just wanted him to keep drumming.”

A Legacy of Generosity

At 88, McDonald remains in high demand, not just for his talent but for his worldview. Reejhsinghani admires his humility and commitment to mentoring younger artists. “His generosity as an artist and mentorship of generations of performers are two of his deepest legacies,” she notes. Despite collaborating with reggae giants, McDonald only released his first solo album, Drumquestra, at around 70 years old. NPR even featured his unique approach to drumming in a cave in Jamaica, showcasing his innovative spirit.

A Celebration of Music

The MLK Convocation will not only feature McDonald’s keynote but also live performances from talented musicians, including trumpeter Kevin Batchelor and guitarist Jonny Meyers, both part of the NYC Ska Orchestra. Local artists from UC Santa Cruz will join in, creating a rich tapestry of musical styles that McDonald has influenced over the years.

While New York has been his home for decades, McDonald often returns to California, excited to reconnect with fans and friends. “Larry’s never met a stranger,” Reejhsinghani laughs, highlighting his warm personality.

This year’s MLK Convocation is free and open to the public, with registration encouraged to help with planning. With ASL interpretation and live captioning provided, it promises to be an inclusive event celebrating music, culture, and community.

Will you join in this unique opportunity to experience the rhythms of history and the spirit of rebellion that Larry McDonald embodies?