Jubilant Sykes, a Grammy-nominated gospel singer, was fatally stabbed at his Santa Monica home late Sunday. According to authorities, his son was arrested at the scene.
According to Santa Monica Police Lt. Lewis Gilmour, the 71-year-old, well-known singer and actor, was declared deceased soon after authorities arrived at the home. Additionally, they found Micah Sykes, his 31-year-old son, still inside the Delaware Avenue residence. On suspicion of homicide, he was booked.
Jubilant Sykes collaborated with artists such as Renée Fleming, Terence Blanchard, Carlos Santana, Julie Andrews, and Brian Wilson while performing in opera, gospel, spirituals, pop, folk, and show tunes in venues all over the world. He listed the Apollo Theater, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Metropolitan Opera on his resume. He was nominated for a Grammy in 2010 for his version of “Mass” by Leonard Bernstein.
Cecelia, Sykes’ wife, first reported the event as an assault on Sunday. Although detectives have not yet established if her son’s history of mental illness contributed to the murder, she informed them of it.
Gilmour stated, “The suspect was cooperative and taken into police custody without incident.” “The family home was the setting for the entire tragedy.”
Prior to the event, police had not received any recent domestic calls involving the family, and they are still looking into the motive.
Cecelia Sykes did not describe feeling threatened during the event, Gilmour said, adding, “She wasn’t really aware of an altercation or an argument that led up to the stabbing.” “I am aware that the suspect had unrestricted access to the residence. Although it’s unclear if he lived there full-time or part-time, he was permitted to remain there because it’s the family home.
Only the parents and their son, according to the police, were inside at the time.
Born in Los Angeles in 1954, Jubilant Sykes‘ mother gave him his unusual first name.
In 1996, Sykes told The Times, “She gave me that name just because she wanted me to be happy.” “And I am when it comes to music.”
Growing up in the city, he was a soprano singer until his voice changed. After learning how to use his new teen voice from a music teacher, Sykes subsequently claimed that he briefly lost interest in music.
In 1999, he told The Times, “I can’t remember ever not singing,” recalling his childhood piano lessons and the music that filled the house.
Following high school, Sykes enrolled at Cal State Fullerton as a music major.
Years later, he stated, “I just threw myself into it, totally clueless.”
After placing first in the Los Angeles regional auditions for the Metropolitan Opera, he made his debut at the New York Metropolitan Opera in 1990, solidifying his transition to classical singing.
In addition, he made appearances on movie soundtracks and occasionally acted, such as in the musical “1776” at New York City Center and the Cuba Gooding Jr. film “Freedom.” He appeared with Carlos Santana at the Hollywood Bowl in 2006 and on the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center’s opening night bill in 2008 in Southern California.
Jubilant Sykes is survived by his wife, son, and two other sons.
Gilmour said that the stabbing on Sunday is being investigated.
It was not immediately clear what Micah Sykes‘ bond was or when he will appear in court.
