Jamaica honors saxophonist Headley Bennett

The Jamaican government bestowed one of its highest civic honors Monday on a saxophonist who played on the first song recorded by reggae icon Bob Marley.

Saxophonist Headley Bennett, 74, was awarded the Order of Distinction along with 157 other people during the annual National Honors and Awards ceremony.

Bennett is one of Jamaica's most prolific musicians. He has worked with some of the biggest names in reggae including Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh, co-founders with Marley of the band The Wailers.

Marley was a 17 year-old solo act in 1962 when Bennett played on his first song, "Judge Not," a ska number produced by Leslie Kong.

Also receiving the Order of Distinction, Jamaica's sixth highest civic honor, were keyboardist Michael 'Ibo' Cooper and guitarist Stephen 'Cat' Coore, co-founders of the reggae band Third World.

Bunny Grant, the first Jamaican boxer to win a world title, also received the Order of Distinction. Grant defeated Britain's Dave Charnley for the Commonwealth junior welterweight title in August 1962.

Four people, including sports administrator Mike Fennell and painter Barrington Watson, received the Order of Jamaica, the country's fifth highest honor, AP reports.

A. A.