Reggae artist Cedric Brooks dies at 70

KINGSTON, Jamaica -- Cedric Brooks, a Jamaican saxophone player and influential roots reggae musician, has died. He was 70.

One of Brooks' sisters, Paulette Keise, said he died Friday of cardiac arrest at New York Hospital Queens. She said Saturday that he suffered from high blood pressure and diabetes and fell ill several years ago, losing his ability to speak.

Brooks began his music career in the late 1960s as a studio musician, playing on songs such as Burning Spear's "Door Peep."

He also had hits with trumpet player David Madden, including "Money Maker" and "Mystic Mood." Brooks also was a member of the Jamaican ska band The Skatalites.

He is survived by seven children and four sisters.

-- AP