A Tribute to Lionel Legrand of Radio Soleil D' Haiti - by Smith Georges

RediscoverHaiti.Com
The World and Democracy

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Published: April 28, 2009

The Shocking Death of Lionel Legrand, a Haitian Media
Icon from Radio Soleil D' Haiti in New York

By Smith Georges

New York - The entire Haitian community is mourning the death of a great Haitian radio personality Lionel Legrand. Lionel is regarded as an icon in the Haitian community with a voice that has a mix of confidence and huskiness. A voice that is convincing and suave at the same time. Lionel died on Saturday morning , April 25, 2009. He is survived by four daughters. "Lionel's death is a shock to everyone," said Rico Dupuy, the Director of Radio Soleil. "Lionel's voice was one of the finest in Haitian radio broadcasting," he added. We reached Lionel's wife Aisha Legrand by phone and the first word that she articulated was "Peace", then she started speaking in Haitian Creole. "Peace" is sort of Lionel's trademark. I have a feeling that the legacy continues. Aisha Legrand confirmed that Lionel died at Beth Israel Hospital in Brooklyn at the age of 53. She also confirmed their four daughters' age: 24, 20, 15 and 8. Pierre Florestal, the host of a weekly radio show on Radio Soleil every Sunday, reflected on Lionel's life and the role of Haitian radio stations in the Diaspora. "We are a small family in the Diaspora - Radio Soleil and all the other radio stations, through their work, have brought the warmth and sun of Haiti to the Diaspora - It's so sad we have lost a person like Lionel Legrand," said Florestal.




Lionel was a member of Radio Soleil D' Haiti's permanent staff. Radio Soleil has dedicated its service to the Haitian community in the Diaspora. It is listened to by the Haitian Diaspora all over the world, as well as in Haiti. It's located in Brooklyn at 1622 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226, phone: (718) 693-1025, (718) 693-5100, (718) 693-7806, website: www.RadioSoleil.com. It's a 24 hr Radio station that can be also listened to on the internet as well. "Listening to Lionel's voice everyday makes you feel as if Lionel was with you in person," said Venia Myrtil, a faithful listener of radio soleil and fan of Lionel Legrand.

It's one thing to use to hear someone's voice on the radio for the past twenty to thirty years, but it is another to get to meet the person, and live in the same community with that person. I have always had great admiration for Lionel, and the pleasure to have met him and converse with him in several occasions. I heard Lionel for the first time on the Haitian popular radio program Moment Creole, which does not exist any longer. I used to say My God, this guy has an exceptional voice. I expected him to be arrogant a la president George W. Bush. God, I was wrong. Lionel Legrand was one of the most humble persons that I ever met in my life. When he sees you, he will put his hand on his chest and slightly bow down, then shake your hand, then say "Peace" to you. Lionel was a first class gentleman. Yes, Lionel had his own personal problem that he had to deal and battle with. Lionel was also separated from his wife. Lionel was a dedicated father, who cared very much for his four daughters. The community will greatly miss Lionel Legrand.




For more details and funeral arrangement, please visit Radio Soleil's website or call at the numbers listed above.

We are extending our sincere condolences and sympathy to the family and friends of Lionel Legrand, and particularly to the Director of Radio Soleil Rico Dupuy and the entire staff of the radio station.

Rest in Peace Lionel. The community loves you.
R.I.P

Click on the link below to watch a Youtube video footage Tribute to Lionel Legrand

(Note: The quotes are translations from Haitian Creole to English)

To comment on this article, send your email to Whygeorges@gmail.com

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[electronamic]

Well, we will never understand nor cope with death. Lionel was such a powerful voice in the Community. His newscast was the lost popular adding his style and charisma to it. I don't know too many newscaster that can instantly translate and read an AFP, REUTERS news bulletin live on the air. He was the only one. May you RIP.

Ralph Delly

[SmithGeorges]

Hi Ralph. It was nice to see you last Friday at St. Jerome Church where the Haitian community gathered together to pay respect to Lionel Legrand.

Smith Georges

[SmithGeorges]

Rest in peace Lionel. We love you

R.I.P.

[reggie1507]

im sorry about that he was my dads freind i remember when my dad brought me there he helped me a lot with my musik i couldint go cause im in canada rip mr legrand