In an email to The Gleaner, the former Alpha Boys said they saw Sonny as a "teacher and mentor, as well as a brother".

According to the tribute letter, "For many years, Sonny's devotion to Alpha Boys' School was second to none. He and the late Sister Mary Ignatius worked hand in hand for the good of Alpha, especially with the musicians who were put in his care after they left Alpha."

The release also pointed out that Bradshaw loved working with young people and was instrumental in setting up the Teenage Dance Party programme in the 1960s.

A year ago, the letter relates, Milton Moore had the opportunity to sit and chat with Sonny about those musicians he had under his wing. According to Moore, Bradshaw was very modest and was full of nothing but praise for those young musicians.

"Jamaica and Alpha have lost a guiding star, and this guiding star has left us with a special mark in the music fraternity. Sonny is a monument that will not be forgotten. At this moment, we will say farewell, our brother," the release ended.