Rampersad Family History & Genealogy

The SPOILER mourns the loss of one of its founders, Osborne "Zing" Rampersad, who suffered a heart attack on June 1st, 2009. Zing, along with Broadway Turk Superstar and Alma Merced, were the pioneers of the hardcore punk Spoiler sound, defining the image and philosophy that was the legacy of the Ducky Boys and the Spoiler Y2K bands that followed in their wake. Osborne "Zing" Rampersad was born on February 2nd, 1953 on the island of Grenada in the British West Indies. A bright and articulate young man, he excelled scholastically and was a tutor for his fellow students in both grade and high school until relocating to the USA in his late teens, leaving his parents and his siblings, Ruth, Lettuce and Robert behind at the family's farm property. Little did anyone anticipate what was to come. As fate would have it, Zing attended the Spoiler's return gig at El Bolero during the Summer of 1975 along with his close friend, Abdul the Butcher. Abdul made the introductions and Zing was recruited as the band's new bassist, replacing Robert "the Monster" Echevarria. Lead guitarist Louie "the Great" Cazucci went on hiatus shortly thereafter and was replaced by Sherry Smith, the band becoming Spoiler VI. They performed at El Bolero and Los Panchos before singer B.T. Superstar's chronic substance abuse caused Zing and Smith to resign. Zing and Cazucci teamed up to form Satan's Claw, whose show closer, "Sweet Loretta", was a tribute to the Spoiler's "Barbarella Queen of Pain". They eventually rejoined Superstar to form Spoiler VII, but Zing dropped out to pursue his dream of playing guitar. The following year, Zing returned as rhythm guitarist for the Spoiler Knights, yet another manifestation of the tumultuous group. After their breakup, Zing joined Superstar and Alma Merced to form Spoiler IX. The Punk Revolution was in full swing in 1977, and the trio played numerous gigs before stunned audiences unprepared for the band's relentless assault. Zing's methodical mauling rhythms and staccato, slashing leads were both distinct and unique, and his stage persona and off-stage reputation as a two-fisted party animal made him a legend of the Spoiler Empire and the Brooklyn punk underground. After the Punk Revolution ended, Zing focused on his family, having brought his mother and his brother and sisters to America to join him in his neighborhood in the Flatbush area of Brooklyn. He married his sweetheart, Angela, and they gave birth to their son David, who bears a striking resemblance to his father. Zing worked as an airport taxi dispatcher and remained devoted to his family and friends. Broadway Turk Superstar said of Zing: "He was the spiritual guru of the band, everyone looked to him for support when times got tough. He was our Jack Palance, he was a bad-a&& both on and off-stage, yet he had that loyalty, honor and integrity that made him who he was. There was never anyone like him before or since. I've lost a brother, and punk rock has lost one of its unheralded legends." God bless Osborne, his family and friends. His memory lives forever in our hearts.

Rawl Rampersad of California was born on February 17, 1955, and died at age 53 years old on September 16, 2008.

Satnarine I Rampersad of Pompano Beach, Broward County, FL was born on June 29, 1955, and died at age 55 years old on January 17, 2011.

Edward Rampersad of Pompano Beach, Broward County, Florida was born on December 19, 1939, and died at age 71 years old on May 3, 2011.

Susan M Rampersad was born on June 8, 1965, and died at age 38 years old on July 22, 2003. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Susan M Rampersad.

Navin Rampersad of Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, FL was born on August 15, 1978, and died at age 27 years old on December 3, 2005.

Job Rampersad of West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, FL was born on March 15, 1924, and died at age 75 years old on February 15, 2000.

Rajdeu Rampersad of Orlando, Orange County, FL was born on October 28, 1934, and died at age 74 years old on June 8, 2009.

David Rampersad was born on March 14, 1936, and died at age 42 years old in December 1978. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember David Rampersad.

Luls E Rampersad of Christiansted, Saint Croix County, VI was born on March 31, 1937, and died at age 65 years old on December 7, 2002.

Dharam Rampersad was born on March 16, 1947, and died at age 60 years old on April 18, 2007. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Dharam Rampersad.

Basant Rampersad was born on January 13, 1946, and died at age 49 years old on May 5, 1995. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Basant Rampersad.

Vilma Rampersad of Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada was born on April 4, 1932, and died at age 73 years old on March 29, 2006.

Darlene R Rampersad of Bullhead, Corson County, SD was born on April 24, 1942, and died at age 58 years old on February 1, 2001.

Sookdai Rampersad of Houston, Harris County, Texas was born on March 23, 1921, and died at age 89 years old on June 25, 2010.

Ramkissoon Rampersad of Houston, Harris County, TX was born on December 25, 1913, and died at age 82 years old in April 1996.

Nandan Rampersad was born on December 6, 1945, and died at age 24 years old in July 1970. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Nandan Rampersad.

Ramdularie Rampersad of Nashville, Davidson County, TN was born on January 3, 1934, and died at age 67 years old on December 12, 2001.

Frank Rampersad was born on September 13, 1954, and died at age 48 years old on August 9, 2003. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Frank Rampersad.

Shirley G Rampersad of Florida was born on February 6, 1949, and died at age 62 years old on May 16, 2011.