Music icon Edward “Sollie” Solomon remembered for his kindness

(CMR) Caymanians at home and aboard have expressed sadness at the death of Cayman's music icon and fashion pioneer Edward ‘Sollie' Solomon (80), who passed away on Sunday, 27 November.

Born on 12 February 1942, Sollie crossed paths with many locals and foreigners as he played Jazz, Reggae, and Contemporary music at venues in the Cayman Islands.

Sollie, a renowned vocalist, and conga player was a part of numerous bands over the years, including Humble and the Meek, and Mainstream. Many expressed that his “sweet singing” and melodious playing will be missed.

In 2016, Sollie was honored by the Cayman Music and Entertainment Association with the ICON award for his outstanding contribution to the local music business.

Hundreds shared memories of Sollie on CMR's Facebook page following news of his death. He is remembered as a true Caymanian cultural icon who touched the lives of many.

While many will remember him for his music, others will not forget the fashion pioneer who introduced several new fashion trends to Cayman.

He is also remembered as a true gentleman who, through his store Arabus, allowed many Caymanian to enjoy wearing fashionable clothes.

“I'm so sad to learn this. I bought my daughter's senior prom dress from Abacus ~ he let me put it on layaway. She was a princess in that dress, it was the only one she ever wanted. He helped her dream come true, I'll always remember his kindness,” Susan Young expressed.

Several persons said Sollie allowed them to own clothes they couldn't afford by offering them a layaway plan or simply reducing the cost.

Jeffrey Rankine recalled Sollie selling him two pairs of jeans for the price of one because he could only afford one.

James Sedgley said it was fun to share a stage with Sollie, “a true Gent. A style guru with excellent taste in clothes and automobiles.”

He was also remembered for his sense of humor.

“No human being made me laugh harder than Sollie,” Leslie Ural said.

“A wonderful person has left us, Mr. Sollie had such an amazing personality, full of life, knowledgeable, funny, caring, and a proud Caymanian,” Kennedy Powery posted.