Memories of calypsonian Kenny J (Kenwrick Joseph) and grief flooded social media last Saturday following his death.

Kenny J spent what was one of his favourite times of the year, Christmas, at the Augustus Long Hospital, Pointe-a-Pierre, fighting for his life.

After a two-week battle with Covid-19, which saw him being treated in the intensive care unit, Kenny J succumbed to the dreaded virus that has claimed close to 3,000 lives in Trinidad and Tobago.

His daughter, Jesselle Joseph, confirmed that her father was fully vaccinated. He was 69 years old.

Kenny J was featured recently in a public service announcement video series spearheaded by promoter Randy Glasgow and produced by the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB).

The series comprised short video clips in which artistes and other popular personalities encouraged members of the general public to get vaccinated.

Playing his guitar, Kenny J sang, “Doh hesitate, just vaccinate. Yuh want to go in the mall, yuh want tings get back normal. Yuh want to see Kenny sing…”

Prior to falling ill, Kenny J performed at several Christmas events, including a WACK FM Christmas special and the Parang with Rome concert, where he reminded audiences to get vaccinated and to always be careful.

A retired police officer, Kenny J won the National Police Services Calypso Monarch title in 1987. From there he began to perform professionally and in 1990 he placed second in the National Calypso Monarch final having sung, “Addicted to sweet Soca” and “Leave she alone”.

Kenny J possessed a honey-dipped voice just like Baron and Sugar Aloes, which made him a hit with both men and women.

His quiet manner and infectious smile endeared him to his fellow calypsonians who considered him the consummate gentleman.

Kenny J tried his hand at soca parang in 1993, releasing “The Paint Brush,” a well-crafted double entendre that became an instant hit.

The song became synonymous with Kenny J and the Christmas season, through the years becoming an evergreen classic. He would enjoy the same level of success with two other soca parang releases during the 1990s, “Alexander” and “Hush Yuh Mout,” which guaranteed Kenny J work during the Christmas season for over two decades.

Kenny J died one day after the calypso fraternity lost Clifton Ryan, the Mighty Bomber, who was 93.