Victor Boa

Jazz Musician. Better known as Victor Boa, he was known as the "High Priest of Jazz" and "Master of the Keyboard" in Panama where he was born. He was a key part of the vibrant Panamanian jazz scene beginning in the late forties and played in a style more like the great Count Basie or Duke Ellington. He formed his band choosing a few of the best of musicians of the Jazz genre in Panama.

He sat alongside such jazz greats as Clarence Martin Sr., Gladston "Bat" Gordon, the vocalist Barbara Wilson. When Harold "Zaggy" Berry, joined his band as a drummer the band was assured of the sound Victor wanted to explore, mixing the Panama Westindian Calypso with the jazz sound of the USA. Ricardo Staples, Danny Clovis, John "Rubberlegs" McKindo, and Reginald Johnson and Carlos Garnett were to become permanent fixtures on the Maestro´s band.

He was a well-loved figure in the hotels and jazz clubs of Colon and Panama City for many years, playing everywhere from the humblest of venues to the Teatro Balboa and Teatro Nacional, always with his characteristic cigar or pipe in mouth.

Victor Everton McRae passed from this life on December 4, 2004 at the age of 80 from a heart attack. His earthly remains are buried in Jardin de Paz here in Panama City. Some notable Jazz musicians attended his funeral in Rio Abajo. He had resided in Juan Diaz for many years.