St Lucian Singer Malcolm “Locks” Magaron, a member of the Les Humphries Singers has died in London at the age of 82. He was in the group during their highlight years 1970 – 1972.
Originally from Marchand, Castries, Malcolm moved to Britain in the 60s and then Germany, where he joined the pop vocal group which was formed in Hamburg, West Germany by English singer Les Humphries.
Active from 1969 until 1980, the group had several chart hits in Germany and in other European countries. The group, whose music drew heavily from gospel, country, folk, R&B and psychedelic influences, was notable for its large number of members, which at times numbered over a dozen to 30
Several of its members, including John Lawton, Jürgen Drews and Liz Mitchell, went on to have notable careers of their own including Malcolm who released various solo recordings one of which was a duet with LHS member and later Boney M front woman Liz Mitchell, his partner at the time.
In 1975 he formed the band Malcolm Locks and Released an album followed later on by various Singles. He returned to St Lucia where he spent many years before he moved back to the UK in 1990.
He is known for hits such as Motherless Child, When the Good Lord Sends an Angel, Caribbean Rock and Brown Girl, songs written and produced by him.
He was diagnosed with Diabetes and was on medication for the disease. A good friend of the singer said she was “utterly devastated” by his death, describing Malcolm as a “beacon of love, kindness and strength”.
“His wit, humour and laughter was infectious, his presence could light up any room,” the friend said.
“Malcolm had a heart full of compassion and always knew how to bring comfort and joy to those around him.”
Malcolm was the first St Lucian superstar to achieve fame in Europe. He worked with local musicians during his time in St Lucia back in the 1980s where he founded the talent show “Hidden Talents” helping artists showcase their hidden and uncultivated talents throughout the island.
St Lucia has lost a gem and a bright light.