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Aug. 21, 2007 – From Washington, D.C., Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. Sunday evening expressed his sadness at learning of the death of Virgin Islands musician, composer, arranger and vocalist Jon Lucien. Born Lucien "Billy" Harrigan, Jon Lucien was credited with being one of the pioneers of the smooth jazz style.
"The Virgin Islands has lost a musical giant in the death of Jon Lucien. The two-time Grammy award winner, while born on Tortola, made the Virgin Islands home," deJongh said. "I have followed his almost 30-year career in which he had recorded a dozen albums and as I understand it, was about to prepare a gospel music CD for release."
DeJongh noted that Lucien's career began on St. Thomas while he was a teenager, playing upstairs of the then popular "Sebastien's on the Waterfront." It was there that his rich deep baritone voice was discovered while performing with the Marty Clarke Trio. For years to come, Lucien would use his voice to create a style of music, which later became known as smooth jazz or quiet storm. The great talent of this man brought him Grammy awards in 1973. While his success and fame did not necessarily follow him back home to the Virgin Islands, he did come back on occasion to perform and visit with family and friends.
"The Virgin Islands has been dealt a loss in the death of Jon Lucien. I pray that his family may find comfort, solace and strength during this difficult time of sorrow. May he rest in peace," deJongh said.
