END OF AN ILLUSTRIOUS AND RICH CAREER – by Joe Van Langenberg
It was with profound sorrow, that I learnt of the sad news of my good friend Desmond “Des” Kelly’s unexpected passing. My grief was palpable, raw, excruciating; rendering me speechless, given the fact it was only three days back, we spoke at length telephonically.
And it was a tete-a tete embellished with his trademark humour and positive outlook on life. Des, as he was affectionately known to those privileged enough to have got up, close and personal with him, either on a personal or professional level, was one of the most likeable, and intelligent gentlemen ever.
He became a very close friend of mine through our mutual love for music, which he happened to have an encyclopedic knowledge of, in addition to an eclectic taste for the same. Hence the enviable title of Mr Music.
Des was additionally bestowed with the unique distinction of having “Dreamworld”, an original, initially backed by the “Semitones” chosen as a Perennial Classic; an achievement which in his own words “warmed the cockles of my heart”.
Back in the heady 60’s, Des along with, Bill Forbes and Clifford Foenander to name just two, were spotted by the legendary showbiz master Donovan Andree, who owned the “Three Clubs”, regarded as Music’s Mecca.
Des who became one of Donovan’s blue-eyed boys, got top billing on the Master’s exclusive shows. And time and again, he delivered with aplomb, regardless of whether it happened to be romantic, folk, baila, or anything in between.
Albeit leaving Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) in the mid-70’s or thereabouts, in pursuit of greener pastures, neither.did Des lose his love for the country of his birth, nor forget his roots.
The fierce feeling of patriotism for his beautiful Island home, which he used to talk about almost religiously and enthusiastically, never wavered. And that was worthy of salutation.
Des collaborated with the best and the fairest.
During his heyday, he was a much sought-after performer, who belted out hit after hit in his own inimitable way. Des was unstoppable.
In addition to having been a trail blazing vocalist, whose timbre was rich, tone impeccable and pitch spot-on; Mr Music was a multi-talented.instrumentalist; possessing the know-how, others yearned to know-how.
Many wannabe musos cut their musical teeth under the caring and patient tutelage of Des. He was a musician who inspired his proteges.
Des Kelly additionally functioned as the Editor-In-Chief of E-Lanka, a news website which happens to be the brainchild of Neil Jayasekera, who is based in Sydney.
By virtue of his valuable contributions, Des was made the “Star of E-Lanka, a title he donned like a Badge of Honour”. Nonetheless, being one who never stood on ceremony, Des maintained his virtues of modesty and humility; never flaunting his fame and popularity in any way
Although Des didn’t suffer fools gladly, he refrained from offending those who may have been a thorn in his side, at some point in time
As a journalist, Des was unique in his own right. His articles were poetic, classy and humourous in the collective extreme.
A skilled story teller with repartee to match, Des regaled his listeners with a plethora of naughty but nice experiences, of his past life.
“Dreamworld” which is an original (in addition to hundreds of others that can be downloaded from Y-Tube) was composed for Maureen “Neliya” Hingert; when he was 15 and she was 14; two childhood sweethearts madly in love.
Notwithstanding the evolution of music trends, “Dreamworld” never lost its lustre and magic. Incredibly and amazingly, it has weathered the test of time; remaining not only his piece de resistance, but also his magnum opus.
Des, in addition to been a gracious human being, was also a good family man and devoted father to his children. When I used to visit him occasionally, he used to speak in glowing terms about his sons and daughter, while reminiscing on their childhoods and formative years. His voice quivered with justifiable pride, love and respect. To him, his kids were front and centre of his universe.
His passing has created a deep void, in an industry which Des had been so wrapped up in.
May I extend my heartfelt condolences to his children and siblings. May the Celestial Force give them the strength to pick up the pieces and carry on, during this most difficult time.
Thank you Des, for the perfumed memories. I was so fortunate to have initially made your acquaintance and later become your friend.
I for one, will miss your mischievous smile and infectious sense of humour. But more importantly, I will miss the daily chats we had, when together we seperated the grain and blew away the chaff. Rest gently mate. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten. May the turf lay gently and caressingly over you.🛑🙏
