Felix Roach was a familiar figure behind the piano and organ. Affectionately called “Uncle Fe” and “Sugar Fingers,” he guided choirs and entertained audiences for decades.
Born on February 22, 1935, he was a central part of the country’s musical life until his death on September 16 at the age of 90.
A classically trained musician who moved easily between jazz, classical and sacred music, Roach was widely regarded as a cultural innovator.
He began playing piano at age seven and entered Berklee College of Music at 18, graduating with certification in voice training.
He served as musical director at the Trinidad Hilton for nearly three decades, produced classical, jazz and spiritual albums, and created the annual Christmas concert Felix and Friends to showcase local talent.
His niece, administrative specialist Ramona Eligon-Monsano, described him as “a man whose incredible talent enabled him to excel in both classical music and jazz” and whose “virtuosity was shown not only in playing the piano and organ, but also as a choir conductor, musical director, composer and producer.”
Roach toured internationally, spending a period in Suriname with Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. He also supplied the piano accompaniment for Hazel Ward’s popular television show 12 and Under, which earned him the nickname “Sugar Fingers.” Among the local personalities he worked with were Len “Boogsie” Sharpe and Denyse Plummer, now deceased.
He received the Hummingbird Gold Medal in 2004 for his contribution to culture and music, and later channelled his efforts into the Bourg Mulatresse, Maloney and Arima Catholic Churches and the Trinidad Christian Centre.
In 2016, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI sent him an autographed copy of The Lives of the Saints in recognition of his work in sacred music. On his 87th birthday in 2022, Roach was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from the Canadian Theological Seminary.
Family and colleagues recalled a man of deep faith, humour and humility.
“Uncle Fe’s motto was, ‘Wherever I’m needed, that’s where I’ll be. It’s all God’s work,’” Eligon-Monsano said. “On a personal note, he always made you smile with his jokes. He was an unassuming man whose musical genius could sway anyone.”
Andre Walker, former harmonica, organ and Pamberi steelpan player, and poet and retired UWI Professor Emeritus Frank Clarke, described Roach as “a shining light” in their lives whose “love, kindness and generosity will live on in our hearts.”
Fellow musician Louis Nurse recalled the nightly residencies at the Trinidad Hilton from the 1970s into the early 1990s, when Roach led the Felix Roach Trio at La Boucan Restaurant.
“Felix was an icon for T&T, a leader in his class,” he said.
“He understood music not only from a classical perspective but as one of our innovators using that foundation to compose and perform in our own idiom.”
Despite his public career, Roach remained deeply attached to his family.
He is survived by his sister Susan Greer, 16 nieces and nephews and numerous grand- and great-grand nieces and nephews.
His music is available on YouTube.
His celebration of life will take place on October 3 at 11 am at the Trinidad Christian Centre, Morne Coco and Simeon Roads, Diego Martin.
