GEORGE “TOUCHES” SIMON

from Honorable Yolande Bain Horsford.

Born in Adelphia of two talented families; mother: Greaves and father: Simon. He was not born handicapped. But because of an injury and poor medical care, he was left with a short leg.

His musical career started while nursing the injury and was in bed for a long time. His first instrument was a home made UcarLillie, so sweetly he played it that he attracted the attention of Father Watts who brought communion for him and would spend long periods with him while he played. Father Watts would visit “Touches” as regularly as he could and encourage him to play music.

He played all string instruments before the saxophone. So sweetly he played the sax that he was rated with ‘Hood’ and ‘Woodruff’ of Blue Rhythm, the best of their time.

But “Touches” was sought by all bands in Grenada, and even the police band in Trinidad of which his mate Ralphine took the offer and played for the Trinidad police Band.

However, “Touches” joined the town band “Warcox Solid Synders” and lead the front line with the likes of Peter Phillips, Rattie, Pumpkin and Whitfield. He made Solid Synders the No. 1 band in Grenada. Such was the talent of Birch Grove at the time.

How can we forget the popular Sunday school at the Aquatic Church, when people from all over the country journeyed to Morne Rouge just to hear “Touches” play. Birch Grove was not left out in the fete. Splendour also had its regular Sunday school trip.

However in the early sixties a band emerged from Birch Grove: Rhythm Riders with a unique style and was rated with Synders in the dance hall. The big test for the two bands would come in Birch Grove harvest dance of 1966 in what was dubbed the first nonstop harvest dance and clash of Brass. Oh what a night it was, Riders took Synders by storm with Ray Anthony’s ‘Goodbye my love’ and was leading after round one.

But ‘Touches” the musical icon struck back, stood up straight and soloed ‘Lady in Red’; Touches reigned supreme.

Despite his work was not been recorded with Synders or his own band Rhythm Aces, we can still hear his sweet sound with his Lancears Records. Encouraged by the Priest to play music, he played his last day in church Choir. And loved by all dancers he played his final play for lovers of sweet music at the Aquarium.

I hope the people of the community would take care of the billboard which bears the name ‘Broko and the boys’ as a lasting memory of this musical icon in Birch Grove and Grenada as a whole.

Lives of great men all reminds us we can make our lives sublime and in parting leave behind us footprints on the sand of time.

“Touches” has left his print on all who knew him at home and abroad; Tourists and locals.