Celebrated local musician and original member of popular band The Bermuda Strollers, David Moniz, has died. He was 68.

The Bermuda Strollers reached international fame in the 1970s and 1980s, playing iconic songs such as Bermuda Buggy Ride, Bermuda is Another World and Yellow Bird.

The group, led by Ted Ming, also performed regularly on the annual Jerry Lewis Telethon, giving them exposure across the east coast.

Mr Moniz was inducted into the Bermuda Music Hall of Fame last year.

Dale Butler, author of Music on the Rock, said yesterday: “David was a very talented bass player who recently played with the great Freeman “King” Trott. They seemed like brothers. He played a key role with the Bermuda Strollers and College Weeks and will be sorely missed.”

Entertainer Tony Brannon said that the Island had lost a “great Island music ambassador” in Mr Moniz.

“I remember several seasons when David played bass guitar for the Bermuda Strollers at the 40 Thieves Club,” Mr Brannon said.

“David loved his cars and his bass. His big, bold, red afro really stood out back in the day, and he had a load of energy on stage.

“David played his music in his latter days with The Bermudians.

“Bermuda has lost a vibrant musician who was also not afraid to speak his mind, and he certainly did with me, but we would always high-five regardless.”

Mr Moniz’s funeral service will be held on Monday at St Mary’s Anglican Church, Warwick.