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Celebrated JvD musician Reuben A. Chinnery found dead @ home

-Chinnery remembered as one of the greatest local musicians produced by VI
September 4th, 2021 | Tags: Reuben Chinnery JVD death Sister Islands culture musician
Renowned and celebrated Jost van Dyke musician Mr Reuben Chinnery has been found dead at his home on the island this morning, Saturday, September 4, 2021. Photo: Team of Reporters
Long time Jost van Dyke resident Gregory A. Callwood speaking to VINO said Chinnery defined the island’s musical sound and had a huge following at the popular Foxy’s Bar where he performed going as far back as the ’70s. Photo: Facebook/File
Long time Jost van Dyke resident Gregory A. Callwood speaking to VINO said Chinnery defined the island’s musical sound and had a huge following at the popular Foxy’s Bar where he performed going as far back as the ’70s. Photo: Facebook/File
Reuben Chinnery also entertained crowds at other spots including the One Love Bar, Soggy Dollar and Ivan’s. Photo: Internet Source
Reuben Chinnery also entertained crowds at other spots including the One Love Bar, Soggy Dollar and Ivan’s. Photo: Internet Source
GREAT HARBOUR, JvD, VI – Renowned and celebrated Jost van Dyke musician Mr. Reuben A. Chinnery has been found dead at his home on the island this morning, Saturday, September 4, 2021.

The death has been confirmed to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) by multiple sources who indicated that Mr Chinnery lived alone and was discovered dead in the small wooden shack where he resided.

Sources told VINO that the Police this morning visited the island and removed the body where it was transported to Tortola.

Talented 12 string classical guitarist

Mr Chinnery, regarded as a talented 12 string classical guitarist with a rich baritone voice was celebrated as one of Jost van Dyke's top musicians and one of the best musicians in the VI.

Long time Jost van Dyke resident Gregory A. Callwood speaking to VINO said Chinnery defined the island’s musical sound and had a huge following at the popular Foxy’s Bar where he performed going as far back as the '70s.

“Reuben Chinnery is by no comparison the greatest and the best musician that Jost van Dyke has ever and will ever see, he captivated everything that happened in JvD in the late '70s to '90s and configurated it in a song,” Callwood told VINO.

Chinnery also entertained crowds at other spots including the One Love Bar, Soggy Dollar, and Ivan’s.

Never forget his legacy –Mr Callwood

‘We should never forget Reuben and his legacy should also be pushed up and never forgotten…” Callwood went on to say.

Mr Callwood said, however, one unfortunate thing was that his friend never believed in iTunes or the digital era and as such, his music would not be widely accessible, but copies of his albums are still around.

Some of Reuben’s original and popular songs include “Come back to the islands”, “Sailing in the BVI” and “To The Islands.”

See a video of Reuben performing a cover of Bob Marley’s Exodus Below:

19 Responses to “Celebrated JvD musician Reuben A. Chinnery found dead @ home”

  • ... (04/09/2021, 12:43) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    another good man RIP
  • Sad News (04/09/2021, 13:05) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    So sad. He was a treasure. May he rest in peace.
  • Andrew Cox Sr (04/09/2021, 13:21) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    A Good Comrade and be of Good Courage to all of his Family
  • BuzzBvi (04/09/2021, 13:58) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    The worst news ever. Reuben Chinnery was so great in many ways. What a loss. Sad, sad.
  • See (04/09/2021, 14:19) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    A true treasure of a person who will be sorely missed indeed . Rest in peace my friend
  • Yes (04/09/2021, 15:04) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    RIP my brother
  • Wonky (04/09/2021, 15:11) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    truly sad news, he was one of the greats.
  • Rubber Duck (04/09/2021, 15:27) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    He will be missed not only from jvd but the bvi rest old bouy
  • Oh My (04/09/2021, 15:36) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    My husband and I looked forward to his singing every Friday night for our date night.
  • Scott Fagan (04/09/2021, 16:37) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply

    God and ALL Good Bless Ruben, a musical friend since Bournefield Days 1961. A GOOD Soul!!! RIP!
  • Jules (04/09/2021, 19:41) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    So very sad to hear this. A great player of 12 string guitar and when accompanied by his deep baritone voice he was a powerful entertainer. He helped make Foxy's what it is and played in so many venues around Jost and Tortola. A friendly and humble man - a devout Christian - a great storyteller - An island legend. RIP Reuben
  • Keep the faith (04/09/2021, 20:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Was a pleasure getting to know you, you were an original. Standing for what culture should be in the BVI. You shared your stories and music. Playing now in heavens orchestra. BLYDEN and Wheatley family.
  • guy hill (05/09/2021, 01:44) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sad news.. Condolences to his entire family. Rest easy my life long friend.
  • Murph (05/09/2021, 10:16) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Very sad news. As visitors to Jost often, we would always find where Reuben was playing. He was a beautiful soul who spread the Island Love. Condolences to all his friends. He was a treasure.
    Murph, Virginia, Dale, Toni, Kurt, Rikki, and Jessi.
  • loi (05/09/2021, 10:38) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Reuben and I have been friends for about 40 years in that time I have never seen him get mad at anyone, he was a very easy going person and I am going to miss him very much but in the sweet by and by we shall meet on that beautiful shore until then God be with you my friend
  • Teacher (05/09/2021, 15:09) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Oh sad to hear of this! May he rest in peace!
  • PK (06/09/2021, 23:02) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Reuben was the unexpected gift that I looked so forward to hearing every time I came to Jost. Just incredible. I often wondered why he did not have a big time record contract but then, that would not have been Reuben. He shared his gift on his beautiful island and was loved far and wide. You are already missed, sir
  • Dongo (18/10/2021, 13:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Just learnt this news today. So very sad to hear. Many great memories of Reuben from the 70's & early 80's with Misty Law. I still have recordings he gave me at that time - fantastic player and singer and such a nice guy. A huge loss to us all - a LEGEND.
  • John (08/11/2021, 08:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Our families visited JVD many times and one of the highlights was listening to Reuben play and sing. I have no idea why I googled his name this morning and found this story. I have a CD of many of his songs which I will now play more often. Sad news.


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