Opera music fans are in mourning as Grammy-nominated singer Jubilant Sykes has passed away. He was 71 and was perhaps most known for his renditions of “Mary Did You Know,” “A City Called Heaven,” and “God Only Knows.” Now, fans are paying tribute to his legacy on social media.
According to the New York Post, Sykes was fatally stabbed at his Santa Monica home on December 9. His wife is reported to have called 911 at around 9:19 p.m. to report the assault. He was then pronounced dead at the scene. From there, authorities arrested his son in connection with the killing.
Jubilant Sykes Leaves Behind a Massive Legacy
Born in Los Angeles, Sykes realised his love of music at an early age and started singing when he was six. Regarding his music career, he signed with Sony Music and released his first album, “Jubilant,” in 1998. His next album, “Wait For Me,” came two years later.
He released four studio albums in total. Sykes released his final album, “Jubilant Sykes Sings Copland and Other Spirituals,” in 2010.
One of his most significant career achievements came in 2009 when he performed as the Celebrant in Leonard Bernstein’s “Mass” with the Morgan State University Choir and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. This role scored him a Grammy nomination.
Sykes performed at several notable venues during his career. Some of them include the Metropolitan Opera, the Deutsche Oper Berlin, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Apollo Theater.
Fans Are Paying Tribute to His Legacy
Sykes may have only released four albums, but he had countless adoring fans thanks to his enduring performances. As a result, many are taking to social media to pay tribute to his legacy.
One person, Chris Huff, said, “I’ll never forget the very first time I heard Jubilant Sykes sing in person at my first @shepconf in 2019. There was/is NOTHING like it. Please join me in praying for his family, friends, and the community in Santa Monica. He will be deeply missed.”
Someone else said, “Jubilant Sykes murdered. It’s looking like his son stabbed him.
What an incredible voice and tragic loss. May his wife know the peace that only Jesus can bring, and may their son find repentance.”
Another heartbroken fan wrote, “Jubilant Sykes’ voice was a breathtaking part of the Christmas concert at my church every year. He will be deeply and tragically missed. May he rest in peace, home with our Lord ✝️🙏🏻”
Finally, someone else said, “Devastated to hear about the horrific murder of Jubilant Sykes, a musician that made a major impact on me and in many ways shaped my entire college experience by giving me a love for live music and concerts. Pretty shaken..”
