Mrs. Flanagan, ft. Leah Brown | Jamaican folk song, arr. Desmond Waithe (1984)

In 1984, the Marionettes completed an international tour to the United Kingdom and Ireland — both competing in international choral festivals, as well as giving concerts around the country. The group performed this touring repertoire at home at Queen's Hall (you can see the full concert here:    • The Marionettes in concert, after competin...  ). Leah Brown was among the talented choristers, solo-ing with her rich contralto voice in a Desmond Waithe arrangement of Mrs. Flanagan, the Jamaican folk song. Many years later, as Leah — now Dr. Brown — returned home after her studies and took up a position at the University of Trinidad & Tobago, one of her colleagues was none other than Desmond. After he became terminally ill, as part of "We Music" (our video tribute to Desmond, which you can view in full here:    • We Music: Celebrating the Legacy of Desmon...  ), we interviewed several people who could speak to his work and its tremendous significance — among them, Leah. In her interview (   • Dr Leah Brown interview for "We Music: Cel...  ), she said he had never stopped calling her "Mrs. Flanagan" any time he saw her. Both left us far too soon. We hope they are making magnificent music in the heavens now. Our deepest condolences to her family, friends, students, colleagues, and all who loved her. Rest well, Leah.