Celebrated opera singer Jubilant Sykes was found dead in his home in Santa Monica, California, on Monday, Dec. 8. He was 71 years old.
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The Santa Monica Police Department said in a statement that they responded to a call on Monday, Dec. 8, at 9:20 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found Sykes with "critical injuries consistent with a stabbing." He was pronounced dead at the scene after police entered the residence.
"The suspect, the victim's son, Micah Sykes, 31, was found inside the residence and taken into custody without incident," police said. Variety reported that Micah will be booked on suspicion of homicide. Additionally, his case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for consideration.
Who Is Jubilant Sykes?
Sykes was known not only for his rich, emotive baritone but also for his ability to bridge classical, jazz, gospel, and modern musical styles. The Los Angeles native began singing as a soprano, but he had no initial inclination toward opera.
"But that changed when I was at Cal State Fullerton," he said. "I had teachers who poured their lives into me. I had everything I needed right on campus to prepare me for my career."
A versatile performer who was just as comfortable singing classical as he was standards, Sykes performed at prestigious venues around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, London's Barbican Centre, the Apollo Theater, Hollywood Bowl, and the New Orleans Jazz Festival.
But it was his willingness to interpret classical material in a new way that earned Sykes acclaim.
"I like to take a different approach — less swagger and more of a sinister 'I'll get him' kind of attitude," he said of Mozart's "Marriage of Figaro." "This doesn't need to be too big. Take in low breaths. It's like you're riding a wave."
Sykes Earned A Grammy Nomination
The singer performed as the Celebrant on the 2009 recording of Leonard Bernstein's Mass. That album received a Grammy nomination for Best Classical Record.
Sykes was also a cherished teacher and mentor to many, leaving an indelible mark on those he guided. But he will be best remembered as a pioneering spirit whose voice and kindness transformed the world of vocal performance.
