KINGSTON, Jamaica - Relatives say a founding member of the influential band The Skatalites died in Jamaica at age 80.

Family spokeswoman Maxine Stowe said bassist Lloyd Brevett died Thursday at a Kingston hospital. He had suffered a stroke in March, two weeks after his son was killed by gunmen outside the family’s home.

Mr. Brevett was an original member of The Skatalites, a hugely influential band begun in 1964. The group transformed everything from jazz to movie themes into ska style.

Musicologist Bunny Goodison said Mr. Brevett and drummer Lloyd Knibb, who died in 2011, were the “driving force of ska.’’

Mr. Brevett leaves his wife and five children.

His son Okine was killed in February.