Cecil “The Banjo Man” Myrie

Cecil “The Banjo Man” Myrie

Cecil Myrie, age 86, passed away on October 7, 2014 at Saratoga Springs Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on June 4, 1928 in Montego Bay, Jamaica the son of the late Aubrey Myrie and Matilda Thorpe.

Cecil moved to Saratoga Springs after a career with his band Motherless and the Merry Knights.  He was a longtime Saratoga Springs Street Musician whom many people looked for, year-after-year and was loved by many.  Cecil has been a summer staple on Broadway for nearly three decades, plucking away on his banjo and was an inspiration to many who listened as he played in his spot on Broadway.  He especially loved playing for children.  He often played at different bars and clubs throughout Saratoga.


Cecil was a very independent, hard-working musician.  In Jamaica, he was know as “Lord Tiger” and worked for the Jamaican Tourist industry as a musician.  He also worked as an entertainer on cruise lines such as the SS Emerald and the Norwegian cruise lines.

Cecil enjoyed writing his own songs, about Saratoga and nursery rhymes for the children.  He also enjoyed making his own instruments.  He loved fishing, swimming and cooking, when he was not doing those things, he maintained his lyrics and music equipment, checked out his hats and fancy shirts for his nighttime gigs.

Cecil is survived by his loving wife Frances Myrie of 26 years, sons; Birthland, Paul, Cecil, Josh, daughters; Yvonne Fowler, Joan Myrie, Janet Myrie, Natasha Myrie, 22 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his mother Matilda; brothers, Jerry and Fredrick; and son, Peter Donny Myrie.

A funeral service will be held at the Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church, 24 Circular St., Saratoga Springs, NY on Tuesday, October 14th  2014 from 4-6 p.m.  A gathering in honor of Cecil will be held at the Frederick Allen Lodge #609, 69 Beekman St., Saratoga Springs, NY from 6-8 p.m.