Marilyn Simmons Family Tree

Gregory Seymour (1954-2021): one of last from top R&B band Gregory Seymour, a singer who led the popular rhythm and blues group Burning Ice, was one of its few surviving members. The band, which hit its heyday in the 1970s, also enjoyed popularity overseas. Music historian Dale Butler’s book Music on the Rock said the group, known to fans as “the Ice”, emphasised “originality and an all-out effort to overcome their audience”. They toured Canada, including a long spell in Toronto after a well-received performance to open a club. Mr Seymour’s son Jesse, also a singer, said his father had moved on from life as an entertainer by the time he was born. But Jesse said: “People see me now and tell me I even move like he used to do in Burning Ice. “My dad was very humble, didn’t do a whole lot of shouting. He was very easygoing, a gentleman with a lot of charisma. “Whether he was up or down, he was always supportive to me.” Jesse added he planned to sing one of his father’s favourites, One More Try by the late George Michael, at Mr Seymour’s funeral service. Mr Seymour and wife Jennifer had another son, John, also a performer. The couple ran The Flame restaurant on North Shore in Devonshire. Jesse said: “My dad built it for my mom. She was a cook at the Halfway House restaurant in Flatts, known for her burgers. “One day she said she wanted to have her own restaurant and my dad gave it to her.” The Bermuda Entertainment Union sent its condolences to the singer’s friends and family on Wednesday. A spokesman for the union said: “He was an awesome vocalist, with great stage presence. “He performed with fellow band members, Charles Taylor, Danny Rowling, Roddy Marshall, Bumpy Goater and Antonio ‘Jughead' Dill, whom have all predeceased him. “Burning Ice was very popular in Toronto Canada in the 1970s and even performed at the Massey Hall there. “Other members included Greg's good friend, the late Colin Lee, Basil Burns, Wendell Darrell and former BEU vice-president, bassist Jeffrey Marshall. Mr Darrell now lives in Toronto, Canada. Mr Seymour is survived by two grandsons, as well by his wife and sons. · Gregory Nathaniel Seymour, the singer with the group Burning Ice, was born on February 22, 1954. He died on December 29, 2020, aged 67.