The Beat saxophonist Lionel Martin dies

Lionel Martin, a saxophonist with British ska band The Beat, has died at the age of 87.
The musician, who was also known by his nickname Saxa, passed away earlier this week (beg01May17), his bandmate Roger Charlery, also known as Ranking Roger, announced on Facebook.
“I am so very sad and sorry to have to announce to the world that the great Saxa passed away in his sleep last night,” he wrote. “I am in tears and will miss you so much. Nobody could ever be like you. We will miss you dearly my mentor.”
Martin, who was born in Jamaica, formed The Beat, also known as The English Beat, in 1978 in Birmingham, England with Charlery, vocalist Dave Wakeling, guitarist Andy Cox, bassist David Steele, and drummer Everett Morton.
They released three albums in the 1980s titled I Just Can’t Stop It, Wha’ppen? and Special Beat Service, and enjoyed top 10 hits in the U.K. with singles such as Mirror in the Bathroom, Too Nice to Talk To, and Can’t Get Used to Losing You.
Representatives for the band wrote on Twitter, “Its w/ (with) deep sadness at his passing & profound joy for having known him we mark the passing of the (heart) of #TheBeat Lionel Augustus Martin/Saxa.”