Grammy-nominated gospel singer Jubilant Sykes was stabbed to death in his Santa Monica home late Sunday, and his son was taken into custody at the scene, police said.<\/p>\n
The 71-year-old, a prominent singer as well as an actor, was pronounced dead shortly after police arrived at the residence, according to Santa Monica Police Lt. Lewis Gilmore. There, they also discovered his son, 31-year-old Micah Sykes, still inside the Delaware Avenue home. He was booked on suspicion of homicide.<\/p>\n
Over his career, Jubilant Sykes performed in venues around the world and across genres \u2014 opera, gospel, spirituals, show tunes, folk and pop \u2014 working with figures including Ren\u00e9e Fleming, Terence Blanchard, Carlos Santana, Julie Andrews and Brian Wilson. His resume included the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, the Apollo Theater and the Metropolitan Opera. In 2010, he earned a Grammy nomination for his recording of Leonard Bernstein\u2019s \u201cMass.\u201d<\/p>\n
On Sunday, Sykes\u2019 wife, Cecelia, initially reported the incident as an assault. She told investigators her son had a history of mental illness, though detectives have not determined whether it played a role in the killing. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe suspect was cooperative and taken into police custody without incident,\u201d Gilmore said. \u201cThe entire tragedy took place within the confines of the family home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Police had not received any recent domestic calls involving the family prior to the incident, and the motive remains under investigation, police said.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe wasn\u2019t really aware of an altercation or an argument that led up to the stabbing,\u201d Gilmore said, adding that Cecelia Sykes did not report feeling endangered during the incident. \u201cI know the suspect had free access to the house. It is unclear if he was living there on a full-time or part-time basis, but it is the family home and he was allowed to be there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Police believe only the couple and their son were inside at the time.<\/p>\n
Jubilant Sykes was born in Los Angeles in 1954, and his unique first name came courtesy of his mother.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe named me that simply because she wanted me to be jubilant,\u201d Sykes told The Times in 1996<\/a>. \u201cAnd when it comes to music, I am.\u201d<\/p>\n He grew up in the city and sang soprano as a boy until his voice changed. Sykes later said he lost interest in music for a bit until a music teacher showed him how to use his new teen voice.<\/p>\n