Paralyzed veteran needs your help
Donation protected
You may have recognized Paris Dennis from his stints in various bands playing with his distinctive hand carved, lion shaped guitar, a symbol of strength and love to him. He has played in bands such as Motivation, Revanche, Cool Runnings, Trinity Seven, Sagittarius and his own band called Paris and the Birds of Paradise. He has played gospel, funk, soul, R&B, and reggae. He’s most distinctly known for his contribution to reggae, for which he has a passion, given his Rastafarian identity. Paris has backed on stage all the major reggae acts over the years. He himself sings that genre of music, covering many reggae standards, and adding reggae flavor to some old favorites. He even has some original songs.
His first wife Allison introduced him to reggae and brought him to Jamaica, where he lived for over twenty years. There he developed a love for the island and met all the major reggae musicians and artists. It was there that he also found interest and grooming in Rastafari culture. He has been a devoted Rastafarian ever since. But more importantly, he has been a devoted father of six children. He has always wanted what’s best for them, and motivated them to do their best. He taught them to appreciate music as he does, and even helped kickstart the career of his son Paris Dennis II as a reggae keyboardist. Paris testifies that his father helped build the foundation for what he is today.
If you get the opportunity to talk to Paris’ friends, family, and bandmates, you’ll hear a common refrain: Paris is full of life, likes to tell jokes and make people laugh, is passionate about his music, and most of all loves his children. His liveliness, energy and enthusiasm show on stage when he’s playing. His acts have all been memorable. His electric performances resonate through the crowd. Paris leaves an indelible impression once he has performed for an audience. It’s memorable seeing him with his lion guitar, gyrating his head, flashing his locks, mesmerizing with his music.
This is a man who has been playing guitar since age ten, making his own instruments out of board and wire. He got his first real one at age twelve. During his development, Paris studied Jimi Hendrix and Wes Montgomery. He played in the church for several years, after which he started playing funk and soul. Paris later joined some rock bands before moving on to the R&B band Motivation. He had also traveled to Italy playing funk with a band called Revanche. He finally ended up in Jamaica and found a home with reggae. There he met Sagittarius’ Derrick Barnette who took him under his wings. Playing in Derrick’s band, Paris had the opportunity to back the likes of Dennis Brown and Gregory Isaacs on stage. During his nine years with Sagittarius he had also provided live musical support for a whole slew of major reggae artists. Paris Dennis has definitely impacted the reggae music scene with his vivacious performances and his support of many established artists and bands.
But as we celebrate the life of this great and accomplished musician, we remark with sorrow on recent tragedy affecting him. Paris’ birthday was June 10. He had surgery on June 11, 2018 to remove a benign tumor in the top right of his back. Unfortunately, the surgeon cut his spinal cord, paralyzing him permanently from chest to feet. The doctors tried for 7 days straight to repair the damaged spinal cord but to avail. This was all the more devastating because Paris was never warned before that this outcome was a possibility, and indeed the cutting of the spinal cord seemed unnecessary. But it has left him bedridden, unable to secure income. The bubbly, cheerful performer on stage has had to cancel tours to contend with his medical condition. At this point he’s asking for help. Please donate a dollar to him and one to the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital Spinal Cord Injury division. This army veteran, talented musician, family man, and great cook (according to another friend) needs our help. Please contribute, it is greatly appreciated! Thanks.
His first wife Allison introduced him to reggae and brought him to Jamaica, where he lived for over twenty years. There he developed a love for the island and met all the major reggae musicians and artists. It was there that he also found interest and grooming in Rastafari culture. He has been a devoted Rastafarian ever since. But more importantly, he has been a devoted father of six children. He has always wanted what’s best for them, and motivated them to do their best. He taught them to appreciate music as he does, and even helped kickstart the career of his son Paris Dennis II as a reggae keyboardist. Paris testifies that his father helped build the foundation for what he is today.
If you get the opportunity to talk to Paris’ friends, family, and bandmates, you’ll hear a common refrain: Paris is full of life, likes to tell jokes and make people laugh, is passionate about his music, and most of all loves his children. His liveliness, energy and enthusiasm show on stage when he’s playing. His acts have all been memorable. His electric performances resonate through the crowd. Paris leaves an indelible impression once he has performed for an audience. It’s memorable seeing him with his lion guitar, gyrating his head, flashing his locks, mesmerizing with his music.
This is a man who has been playing guitar since age ten, making his own instruments out of board and wire. He got his first real one at age twelve. During his development, Paris studied Jimi Hendrix and Wes Montgomery. He played in the church for several years, after which he started playing funk and soul. Paris later joined some rock bands before moving on to the R&B band Motivation. He had also traveled to Italy playing funk with a band called Revanche. He finally ended up in Jamaica and found a home with reggae. There he met Sagittarius’ Derrick Barnette who took him under his wings. Playing in Derrick’s band, Paris had the opportunity to back the likes of Dennis Brown and Gregory Isaacs on stage. During his nine years with Sagittarius he had also provided live musical support for a whole slew of major reggae artists. Paris Dennis has definitely impacted the reggae music scene with his vivacious performances and his support of many established artists and bands.
But as we celebrate the life of this great and accomplished musician, we remark with sorrow on recent tragedy affecting him. Paris’ birthday was June 10. He had surgery on June 11, 2018 to remove a benign tumor in the top right of his back. Unfortunately, the surgeon cut his spinal cord, paralyzing him permanently from chest to feet. The doctors tried for 7 days straight to repair the damaged spinal cord but to avail. This was all the more devastating because Paris was never warned before that this outcome was a possibility, and indeed the cutting of the spinal cord seemed unnecessary. But it has left him bedridden, unable to secure income. The bubbly, cheerful performer on stage has had to cancel tours to contend with his medical condition. At this point he’s asking for help. Please donate a dollar to him and one to the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital Spinal Cord Injury division. This army veteran, talented musician, family man, and great cook (according to another friend) needs our help. Please contribute, it is greatly appreciated! Thanks.
Organizer
Paris LaMont Indiggnation
Organizer
Tampa, FL
