Legendary West Indian commentator Tony Cozier has died at the age of 75.
A familiar and respected voice around the world, the Barbadian will be remembered for a career in TV, radio and journalism spanning 58 years.
Born in Bridgetown in 1940, he made his BBC Test Match Special debut in 1966 and also wrote several books.
“Tony was the master of going between TV and radio ball-by-ball commentary. He was the master of both,” said BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew.
“He’s easily the best I’ve come across in 25 years at being able to do both disciplines.”
For me, Tony Cozier was the voice of Caribbean cricket. Others like Joseph “Reds” Perera and Fazeer Mohamed came along and did well, but Tony Cozier epitomized Caribbean cricket commentary. He has left a large footprint. His voice will long be missed. He deserves a standing ovation for a great inning.
How sad it is when talented and well-known people pass on. They could never be truly replaced.
My condolence to his family and all those who were familiar with him and his voice on the airwaves.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in peace. Amen!
The best we had in the region!!RIP Sir!
He got to see West indies cricket heaven before he moved on: champions in Under 19’s & Women – the men had no choice to follow suit! The exclamation mark was stamped by no less a man than fellow Barbadian, Carlos Bathwaite himself.
Only superlatives can describe Tony Cozier. I rejoice that fought the good fight articulately pushing his beloved West Indies forward. I rejoice that he completed his race untarnished, unfettered and unbowed.
Thanks Tony for your contribution to the upliftment of the West Indian intellect with your educational commentary. You did your part with honour and distinction. Praises to the most high for your time in this world.
R.I.P Tony. I have fond memories of your voice describing the successes and failures of my beloved West Indies. The game will not be the same without you.
as a child of the 80’s that voice stood resonate. growing up watching cricket matches on tv it was Mr Cozier and Mr Steve Buckner. RIEP Mr C ozier you will be greatly missed
My heart goes to his family and friends,He will be missed,R.I.P.
This is a cricketing voice we will surely miss. His detailed ball-by-ball radio commentary, the imagery associated with it and the compelling nature of his historical perspective and analysis was what especially drew my attention to love commentary. His TV commentaries were equally compelling with technical and historical analysis. He and Reds Pereira in tandem giving the summary of the day’s play or of the match was always a glorious and ecstatic climax to the joys of a wonderful day (or days) of cricket.
Tony Cozier & Reds Pereira understood the art of speech, voice intonation, modulation and could use voice inflection to so effectively covey what was happening on the field of Play. I also loved the Cricket Annual Magazine he edited. I loved getting my copy at CEE BEEs. It was our window to regional and international cricket in pictures in the days of limited or no television coverage in the region.
May his Family be divinely consoled and may his soul rest in eternal peace.
What a distinguished career in broadcast journalism.
Tony was one of the best west indies commentators I have ever heard.
He was also a prolific writer about West Indies cricket for ESPN and many looked forward to his take on whatever was taking place with west indies cricket at the highest levels.
He was admired worldwide where cricket is played and did Barbados and West Indies proud.
I can still hear his voice when he described a cover drive from the great Brian Lara …”simply magnificent..pure perfection”
So apt, so true.
Rest In peace Tony
Talk about a guy who knew the game. A fine commentator he was. RIP Mr. Cozier.
Huge loss for West Indies and cricket lovers world-wide. My sincere condolences to his family. You served with unwavering distinction and excellence. Your shoes will not be filled any time soon. RIP Sir and thank you, thank you, thank you for your service.
His voice was what I knew of cricket when I was growing up. May his soul rest in peace