An Ontario Drummer's "Last Performance" Was at His Own Funeral

In a career of over 40 years, Brentnol McPherson kept the beat in Canada, Guyana and beyond

Photo: Covenant Funeral Homes Inc.

BY Calum SlingerlandPublished Apr 30, 2021

Late Guyana-born, Ontario-based drummer Brentnol McPherson is making headlines for manning the kit at his own funeral, following his passing earlier this month.

Videos of McPherson's creative, personalized funeral arrangement have circulated online after being shared by Scarborough's Covenant Funeral Home. The musician's "last performance" finds him posed behind a sapphire blue drum set, surrounded by elaborate floral arrangements.

"Reunited with his dad the late greats Tom Charles, Pamela Maynard, Dennis Brown and the many artists gone before him," Covenant Funeral Homes shared on Facebook. "This was truly an honor! THANK YOU BONNY....WE SAID WE NEEDED TO TELL THE WORLD ABOUT JESUS..... WITHOUT HIM, This would still be in my dreams......I know you are happy!!!"

Per The Caribbean Camera, McPherson passed away April 11 at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto following a long battle with cancer. He was 68.

Born in Guyana in 1952, Brentnol "Cabbage" "Bonny Brent" McPherson began playing drums following in the footsteps of his father, Tom Charles, who kept time in leading popular Guyanese group Tom Charles and the Syncopators. 

Wife Denise McPherson told The Camera that the drummer moved from Guyana to Canada in 1982 to further his musical ambition. Over his own career of over 40 years, McPherson performed and recorded with Toots & the Maytals, Johnny Nash, Jimmy Reid, Brass Traxx with Deborah Cox, Pamela Maynard and many more. 

Exclaim! sends our condolences to McPherson's family, friends and listeners. Please be advised that the the following videos may be distressing to some readers.


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