Lester Sterling was born on 31 January 1936 in Kingston, Jamaica. He would go on to become a renowned Jamaican trumpet and saxophone player. Like many musicians of his generation, Sterling attended the Alpha Boys School, a well-known institution for nurturing musical talent. Although he originally learned to play the trumpet, he became best known for his work on the alto saxophone. His brother, Keith Sterling, is a keyboard player.

In the 1950s, Sterling was a member of the Jamaica Military Band and played trumpet in Val Bennett's band in 1957. During the late 1950s and early 1960s, he worked regularly as a studio musician, alongside many future members of the Skatalites: Roland Alphonso (tenor sax), Tommy McCook (tenor sax and flute, and leader of the group), Don Drummond (trombone), Johnny "Dizzy" Moore (trumpet), Lloyd Knibb (drums), Lloyd Brevett (bass), Jackie Mittoo (piano and organ), and Jah Jerry Haines (guitar). Lester Sterling also played in bands such as Clue J & His Blues Blasters and the Baba Brooks Band.

His recording caree started in 1962 with Lester Sterling And The City Slickers. They recorded

Walebone on the Jamaican Worldisc label.

Lester Sterling was a founding member of The Skatalites, playing alto saxophone. After The Skatalites originally disbanded in 1965, Sterling performed with Byron Lee & the Dragonaires and recorded several solo singles for the London-based producer "Sir" Clancy Collins. His debut solo album, Bangarang, was released on Pama Records in 1969. Sterling rejoined The Skatalites when they reformed in 1975. The band has continued intermittently with a varying lineup since then, and Sterling remained the only founding member still with the group until 2014.

His recording career covers about ninety 45's issued in Jamaica and the UK. He recorded with his own group and many other well known Jamaican artists such as. Roland Alphonso, Tommy McCook And The Supersonics, Baba Brooks Band, Stranger Cole, Lyn Taitt And The Jets, Rico Rodriquez and Vin Gordon.

Lester Sterling was awarded the Order of Distinction in 1998 in recognition of his contribution to Jamaican music.

Lester Sterling’s influential work as an alto saxophonist spanned the genres of ska, rocksteady, and reggae, making him a vital figure in the international music scene.

After this photo was taken, something truly special happened. Lester Sterling-legendary saxophonist and founding member of the Skatalites-invited me backstage to meet the rest of the band. I was thrilled, but even more struck by his kindness and humility. He was a true gentleman, generous with his time and stories. I still treasure the memorabilia he gave me that day-a tangible reminder of an unforgettable encounter with a musical icon.

.................................

Lester Sterling died on 16 May 2023, at the age of 87. At the time of his death he was the last surviving founder member of The Skatalites