Black Virgin Islanders: Stanley & The Ten Sleepless Knights

Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights is a Quelbe based group from the Virgin Islands. They were established in the 1960s. The band consists of 10 members, Stanley Jacobs, Harold SteinBrenner, Hugh Clark, Gilbert Hendricks, Kevin Christian, Devinci Valentino Francis, Eldred Christian, Kendall Henry, Herman Thompson Jr, Lauren Larson.  The band first consisted of 6 members, who played instruments such as the steel triangle, squash (gourd rasp), flute, guitar, steel bass pan, and banjo. Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights have been an active band for over 50 years, during that time they have travelled the world trying to bring awareness to Quelbe music and the Virgin Islands culture, and have even been honored for their many years in the music business. They're a pillar in our community and music wouldn't be so inspirational if it wasn't for them. If you live in the Virgin Islands specifically St. Croix, around Christmas time which is also when we celebrate our festival. The band has tramps where they're playing live on a truck while driving through the different towns and having a massive crowd both young and old enjoying their sweet serenade. They are and will forever be one of the most influential people in our community.

Written By: Minoca A.

Pc: Stanley & The Ten Sleepless Knights