R.I.P. Ben Tinker, singer/guitarist

 

Cyril Benjamin Tinker died Monday, August 20, 2012 at Stony Brook Hospital after a long and hard fought battle with chronic renal failure. He was 68 years old and had been hospitalized since December of 2010. 

 

Born in the Bahamas on January 4th, 1943, he moved to Miami as a young man and made his entertainment debut with “The Fish Ray Show” in 1960. He later joined the “Joe Donato Group” and helped to make that band one of the most popular ensembles in the Miami area throughout the seventies. His own band, “Good Bread Alley”, brought him from Florida to the Hamptons in the early nineties where, with a new group of musicians, they became “The Starfish Band”. He remained in the area over the past 20 years, entertaining and delighting audiences from Bellport to Montauk, lifting their spirits and leaving them with lasting and loving memories. 

 

With his various bands, he played guitar, sang, and wrote many original compositions, recording some on CD. “He was such a strong and loving man,’’ said Dr. Cheeko, a musical companion for over 40 years. 

 

Joe Donato, said “his “strum” and musical energy was most powerful and he sure could “put the pots on” (cook).” Stan Wright of the Starfish Band remembered him as through his music he was able to travel and tour Central and South America and was always wildly appreciated by his audiences everywhere he went. His easy manner and infectious smile endeared him to everyone. 

He is survived by his loving companion of 16 years, Jean Belgrave of Flanders, a daughter, Cyrille Tinker, a son, Cyril B.Tinker, III, both of New York City, a son, Adam Goode of Miami, Florida, three stepdaughters, Charlene Seymore, Monique Proctor, both of Southampton, Jessica Williams of Flanders, and three grandchildren, Zi’aisha Tinker, Aliza Proctor and Kyleigh Williams. 

Condolences may be sent to Jean Belgrave, 34 Flanders Blvd., Flanders, NY 11901 or Cyrille Tinker, 528 W. 145th Street, Apt. 3D, NY, NY 10031. 

The viewing will be Friday at the funeral home from 5 pm to 9 pm  - Carey-Royal-Ram'n Mortuary 5235 North West 7th Avenue Miami Fl.  

On Saturday September 8th, he will be eulogized at 1:30 pm in the Pentecostal Church,  located at 2295 NW 59th Street. Miami Fl.

 

 Following the service, many of his friends

will come together to play music and

celebrate his life at Shantel’s Lounge

5422 NW 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33127,

(305)-751-6752, 7pm till....

~ ~ ~

Posted by Jazz & Blues Florida

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