The Tribune

By FELICITY DARVILLE

Today, August 20, 2024, marks exactly one year since we lost one of the greatest legends in Bahamian music history. Paul Hanna has left an indelible imprint in the tapestry of music in the country. He and his wife, Tanya represent an important pillar of society - a powerful couple committed to family, community, country, humanity, and most of all – music.

Paul’s music career spans over five decades. He performed with countless musicians in The Bahamas and around the world, beginning as early as the 1950s. His vast knowledge of different genres of music, and his exceptional ability to compose and play music, is legendary.

“With his passing, a curtain fell on a golden age of Bahamian musical excellence,” said fellow artist Dr Tyrone “Butch” Bartlett, aka Plati Dread.

“With a career that spanned six decades, he was the last of an era of Bahamian greatness. With every virtuoso performance, we were a witness to history. A giant walked among us.”

Together, Paul and his beloved muse, professional singer, pianist and wife, Tanya, have touched the lives of many as musical mentors and as philanthropists. She is honouring his legacy this week by blessing fans with free CDs of his music while supplies last. Tune in to ZNS Radio 104.5fm and 1540am to find out when to call in to win one of these priceless CDs. ZNS will air a special concert in honour of Paul Hanna on August 28. Today, August 20, Steve McKinney will host a special edition of his radio show, Hard Copy, on Peace 107.9FM from 5pm to 7pm.

Although Paul battled cancer, he wore his genuine, broad smile to the end. He was honoured during a special event on June 27 this year called “An Evening of Creative Elegance with Tanya Hanna and Friends”. Hosted by Erin Brown, Tanya tantalised the audience with her performing elegance and the spirit of her husband emanating through her. Plati Dread returned to the stage to join Tanya after a hiatus from music production, bringing new music to the pleasure of all who came together to honour Paul. Princess Pratt performed native storytelling and Raquel Rolle showed off her talents as a visual artist.

Tanya shared with me an essay she wrote, called “What Makes Paul Hanna Special”. I give her space to share it here:

Paul Alexander Hanna, fondly known as Mace, is special because of his deep humility and passion for music. What makes Paul special? To discover this we will have to go back to his beginnings. Paul spent many years as a young boy learning how to play the piano - firstly with his mom Louise Hanna and then later with Mr Russell from Farm Road (Market Street). But there is a story to this. Back in the day, there were talent shows and Paul won many, but this particular show was held at the Savoy Theater and Fred Munnings Sr heard Paul. He sponsored Paul’s piano lessons with Mr Russell. He was very diligent at practicing, and this earned him the ability to be humble and sit at the feet of many great pianists such as Al Davis, Eric Cash, Wally Badarou, and Chic Corea. This demonstrated his willingness and tenacity to never give up. This was the beginning of Paul’s finding his purpose and the gift he came to bring to The Bahamas and later the world as toured Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, Amsterdam, USA.

Paul never erred in developing his craft at all costs, there was nothing to keep him from becoming the best at what he set out to be. This made him a top class, and most desirable pianist and vocalist, he was always studying and perfecting his gift - this was another ideal that made him special. He literally practiced daily for at least three to four hours. His great quest was how to practice and when Chic Corea told him to always be clear. I remember how it took him years to unravel its meaning. It’s always amazing how great artists revel in mystery. They like riddles and want you to figure it out. Perhaps it’s because it comes so easy to them, they think you understand or know it also.

Paul’s pureness of heart made him special. He never talked badly about anyone. He liked being alone yet was never alone because there was always someone in his presence even though he practiced alone. He had a specialness in being comfortable with being alone. He could choose to be alone just to be with his piano and discover more. Paul not only practiced the piano, he practiced how to practice. He discovered and shared his secrets - especially in his later years - and shared his secret of practicing – “Always practice what you play” and another – “scales and arpeggios in all the keys are key to playing well and especially improvising”. Paul had learned so much after his first two marriages that he brought forgiveness and communication to our life together. He was cautious and took a very long time to open up. After learning his style of loving, we were able to solve our problems together after many years.

He was a great son. His tenacity was another special quality, which kept life alive and interesting. We almost did not get together. There was an amazing shyness which I could not understand especially in a male and especially in Paul Hanna; but then again, no one wants to get hurt and love has a way of hurting. Paul had an incredible love for family and especially his mom. He respected his mom Louise Macie-Lee Toussainte-Hanna. When she went to the hospital, Paul stayed with her for days and slept in the hospital, not leaving her side. He would drive around with her in the car, taking her everywhere she wanted to go. If someone was going out, Louise Macie-Lee was gonna be there. Then again, he demonstrated this unconditional love for our son, Troika, when he had a life threatening illness which hospitalised him for nearly two years and he was staying in Miami’s Children’s hospital and St Jude in Kentucky. Paul loved in a special kind of way. He just would be at your side saying nothing. He internalised and processed love from within - speechless. As a result of him internalising life, we had less arguments… of course most of our conversations took place at the piano. This special way of communicating through music, gave way to many songs.

Paul never stopped playing. There was no break from the stage and home, because another special quality of his performance was that of constant practice. This made me remember my dad’s playing. While mom cooked, he would be at the piano.

Most of all, Paul shared his deep relationship and love for God which was undying, as he was always searching, seeking, reading. We wrote many unrecorded gospel songs together, which got heard at church, but never in the studio. His deep love for God brought deeper meaning to our relationship. Also it was this that gave us the extra gift. He had a way of allowing our stage life to be the canvas for all the things he did not say at home. The stage gave him the freedom and ability to be and express himself. The shyness was removed and the real Paul was able to stand up. It became the place for expression especially in his later days which kept him alive. After discovering that Concerts and Recordings was his true platform, he wanted to have a concert every month.

Paul found his true voice on stage and in the studio. Yes, Paul’s specialness is found in him discovering his purpose and ability to gift it to the world, selflessly. There was also Paul the humanitarian, community builder, on Evans street, who played a great part in creating the awareness of a more beautiful Bahamas in clean up events and in our songs. Songs like, “Team up to Clean Up”, “Know that You Can”, and “Attitude of Gratitude” were some of the many character development songs. We coined the name “Musication & Student Spotlight” in the schools in the 90s. Then he started his own personal feeding program for the disabled. He did this for the past 20 years. Even up to his last month of life, Paul walked his last bag of food to one of his disabled friends. The place was so deplorable, he would never allow me to come out of the car. He wanted to do it alone. I never realised love or understood how much it meant until now.

Paul was a super dad. It was special watching Mustapha and Troika grow up with so much love. He always did school and after school drop offs and pick ups, homework, and organised the chores, taught the boys how to swim, taught them how to fish and ride bicycles, skate and have fun in the go carts at Disney World. He stood in the long long lines for rides at Disney and Carnival or school fairs. He loved all his children incredibly. I must also mention that I grew to understand, love and appreciate Debbie, Phelan, and Devaldo, his children before our marriage, through the years.

Paul is indeed unique and special to his family, to his friends and to me. I am richer, wiser and more loved because of having had the opportunity to share in Paul’s gifts and presence, especially as one of my best music teachers. I am grateful for having the opportunity to have shared life with him. Because life is a gift, every experience is also a gift and an opportunity to grow.

It’s not enough to love and be alone but also to love with trust - trust to share in the challenges of love together.

In the end Paul became music - words were secondary forms of expression. - Tanya Hanna.

Linc Scavella, president of the United Artists Bahamas Union, paid tribute to Paul, his friend and colleague, and it was recorded by the Bahamas Chronicle: “Like many Bahamian music legends, before and even during his time in the music industry, Paul Hanna became one of the greatest jazz musician and singers in the music history of The Bahamas. We remember him from as far back as the Show Club on Bay Street and the historic Graycliff Hotel and many other unique places that showcased top class Bahamian musicians, entertainers and their music.

“We remember those wonderful concerts featuring Paul and his exceptionally wonderful wife, Tanya, and sometimes even his son, Troika, who were a part of those enchanted evenings of smooth Jazz and other genres. We remember Paul as a great music educator, who was instrumental in developing the musical talents of many of the musicians and entertainers in the country today.

“We remember Paul as one of the great crooners of our time. He was an exceptionally unique but great recording artist. As we respect Michael Jackson as the King of Pop, we respect and pay homage posthumously to the legacy of Paul Hanna as our King of Jazz. Should anyone dispute his Kingship of Jazz, let them take it up with the many Bahamian musicians, entertainers and music lovers who share our thoughts regarding the same.”