David Phillips, also known as David Blair, transcended to a higher life on August 3, 2023. He passed away at his home, in Brooklyn, New York, at the age of 63 years old.
He was born on July 11, 1960 in the illustrious village of Buxton/Friendship, in Guyana, South America, to Beryl Phillips (deceased) and Gladstone Blair. David is remembered as being a lovable, jovial and ambitious child, specially gifted with some athletic ability and a euphonious voice.
He fulfilled his primary education at St. Anthony’s R.C. School in the village, progressed to County High School, and graduated from Bladen Hall Multilateral School. He excelled at track and field sports to reach the National Schools’ Athletic Championship. His performance in the sport gained him huge admiration and support from the community and, with it, the affectionate and enduring nickname, “Pompey”. The name purportedly derived from “pumping up” his hands to generate speed during competition. His future in the sport was aborted after he suffered serious injuries from falling off a coconut tree.
David and his older sister, Lorna (deceased), together with their cousins, Haslyn Cadogan and June Dick, grew up under the loving care of their aunts, Frances (Titta) and Veronica (Indy). To supplement the household income, Titta prepared various snack treats for sale, which David helped to peddle from a young age. Their custard ice-cream block was one of the more popular items with customers, for which he crafted the following slogan:
Look up, look down
A blue flask is on the ground
Don’t fret
You must get!
In plying his sales around the village, he came into contact with a rustic youth band, which was in its formation stage at the time. The instruments were developed from makeshift materials and discarded items, and the band was eventually named the “New Pom Combo”. David joined and became one of its lead singers. Located next door to Smith’s College, the music caught the ear of Principal, Mr. Vincent Ritchie, who went on to hire the band for the school’s Christmas concert. That was their break out gig. Another notable achievement was the band’s finish as first runner-up in a competition against similar ensembles at a local fair.
Beyond singing, he aspired to becoming a versatile musician. He began taking Guitar lessons from Frederick Rutherford and Piano Playing instruction from the late Miss. McKinnon. This led to his signature composition, titled “Box Guitar”, and migration to the big league.
Having completed his secondary school education, David signed on as a lead Vocalist with the dynamic “Sound Dimension” string band. He would go on to enjoy several successful years with the group before leaving to join the Yoruba Singers, another popular big band at the time. It was with the latter group that he left Guyana in July, 1984 for a tour of the United States, but never returned.
He settled in Brooklyn, New York and, apart from Music, explored some other professions. However, he became very adept at Residential Roofing and made a successful career out of it.
David is survived by his two daughters – Crystal Haynes and Stacy Grenado, and two grandchildren. He also leaves his loving memories to be cherished by his FATHER – Gladstone Blair; BROTHERS – Andrew Phillips, Gregory Blair, and Julian Blair; SISTER – Annetha Hall; NEPHEW – Kayode Bristol; NIECE – Adfia Bristol, and others; COUSINS – Stella Nero; Haslyn Cadogan; Elon Phillips, Rudolph Phillips (Bing). Georgiana James, Donna Phillips, Esquith Phillips, Colin Phillips, Robin Phillips and Jackie Phillips; Trevor Nero, Cheryl Cooper, Shondel Nero, Kwesi Nero and Dara Nero; June, Geoff, Gavin, and Gerald Dick; Gary Bobb and Shawn Collins; Nicole Taylor; Denise Lovell; Frederick Peters (Fredo) and Colin Peters (C.P.); Vellie Grant (Barbara Haarte); BROTHER-IN-LAW – Billy Bristol; NEIGHBOURS – Avril Abrams, June Collison, Debra Griffith, Alwyn Hope, Rudolph Belle, Shelley Belle; Judy Lorde, Gary Lorde; and others; BAND MATES – Eze Rockliffe, Ivor Griffith, “Chubby” Moore, and many others.
David was predeceased by his mother – Beryl Phillips; sister – Lorna Bristol; AUNTS – Frances Dick (Titta), Elsie Bobb, Veronica (Indy) and Phyllis (Feen) Phillips; UNCLES – Ovid and Martin (Buddy) Phillips; COUSIN – John Dick.
May he rest in peace!
