Nassau, Bahamas – A funeral service for “King Eric” Gibson, MBE, age 79 of West Bay Street and formerly of Masons Bay, Acklins who died on Saturday, December 28th 2013 was held on January 10th at Bahamas Faith Ministries. Officiating was Rev. Lloyd Smith and he was assisted by Bishop Ghaly Swann and Pastor Delton Ellis. Interment followed in the Western Cemetery, Nassau Street.
In attendance was the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahams, the Rt Hon Perry G. Christie who provided sentiments. Also in attendance were other MPs and many local dignitaries and entertainers. “King Eric” was the father of Hon. D. Shane Gibson.
Gibson was a founding member and former Executive officer in the Bahamas Musicians & Entertainers Union (BMEU); and was also known as a sloop sailing icon.
PLP chairman, Bradley Roberts said, “His contribution to Bahamian music, especially live native entertainment in local hotels and nightclubs, enhanced our cultural tourism product immensely and remains a blueprint for local cultural tourism development today. He is truly a cultural icon.”
“King Eric Gibson impacted the lives and the careers of most of the contemporary Bahamian artists, musicians, and entertainers of today,” said recording artists Fred Munnings. He said King Eric’s career of over 60 years as a professional entertainer, nightclub owner, sports enthusiast, and labour leader, was demonstrative of his commitment to the development of The Bahamas and in particular the entertainment and sports sectors.
“One of his greatest contributions, and a large part of his legacy, will be that he always provided opportunities for young, unknown, aspiring Bahamian artists and sportsmen, in that, he would always seek out those who were interested in those respected areas of our development and showcase them locally and internationally. He was among the first to own a recording studio, Elite Studios on Blue Hill Road, that afforded local artists to record their music professionally and to experience with new, authentic Bahamian genres of music.”
