Lennie Hibbert

Leonard Aloysius Hibbert, popularly known as "Lennie", popularized the Vibes in Jamaica. He was born in Mavis Bank, Jamaica on November 12, 1928. His interest in music started at the early age of 2 when he devised a little drum from an empty pan. Later at the age of six the local Salvation Army allowed him to play on their drums. At the age of eight years he went to Alpha Boy's School and after some time joined the school band where he was placed on his 'old love', the drums. After leaving school in 1944 he played in several small orchestras and finally joined the Military Band in 1946. It was during his time in the Military Band that he taught himself the Vibes. He returned to Alpha and was Band Master there in the late fifties, where Floyd Lloyd and Vin Gordon were among his students. In 1976 he was awarded the Order of Distinction (O.D.) for his contribution to music on the island and for his work among the youth. He was tirelessly helpful to young people, getting them involved in music, dance, acting, and organized sport. Lennie Hibbert died in the early eighties Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.