Jubilant Sykes, acclaimed baritone, fatally stabbed by son at home in Santa Monica, police allege

by

I was really shocked to hear the news – Jubilant Sykes, the incredible gospel singer who was nominated for a Grammy, was found stabbed to death at his home in Santa Monica. What’s even more heartbreaking is that police say his own son was arrested at the scene. It’s just a terrible tragedy.

Police found a 71-year-old singer and actor dead at his home on Delaware Avenue, according to Santa Monica Police Lieutenant Lewis Gilmore. His 31-year-old son, Micah Sykes, was at the scene and was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Jubilant Sykes had an impressive career performing in a wide variety of musical styles – from opera and gospel to pop and folk – at venues all over the world. He collaborated with many renowned artists, including Renée Fleming, Carlos Santana, and Julie Andrews, and performed at iconic locations like the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and the Metropolitan Opera. In 2010, he received a Grammy nomination for his recording of Leonard Bernstein’s “Mass.”

On Sunday, Cecelia Sykes first told police her husband was the victim of an assault. She mentioned her son had a history of mental health issues, but investigators are still trying to figure out if that had anything to do with the death.

According to Gilmore, the suspect willingly went with police and was arrested without any problems. The tragic event happened entirely inside the family’s house.

According to police, they hadn’t responded to any previous domestic disturbances at the family’s home before this incident, and the reason behind it is still being investigated.

According to Gilmore, Cecelia Sykes didn’t realize there had been a fight or disagreement before the stabbing, and she didn’t feel threatened at the time. The suspect had unrestricted access to the house, which is the family home. It’s unknown if he lived there permanently or just visited, but he was permitted to be there.

Police believed only the couple and their son were inside at the time.

Jubilant Sykes was born in Los Angeles in 1954. His mother gave him his unusual first name.

Sykes explained to The Times in 1996 that his mother gave him that name hoping he would be a cheerful person, and he says that’s certainly true when it comes to his passion for music.

As a child growing up in the city, Sykes sang in a high voice – soprano – until he went through puberty and his voice deepened. He briefly lost his passion for music, but a teacher later helped him discover how to use his new, mature voice.

He said he’s been singing for as long as he can remember, growing up in a musical home and taking piano lessons as a child, according to a 1999 interview with The Times.

After graduating from high school, Sykes majored in music at Cal State Fullerton.

“I just threw myself into it, totally clueless,” he said years later.

He decided to focus on classical singing after winning a regional competition with the Metropolitan Opera in Los Angeles, which ultimately led to his debut performance at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City in 1990.

Beyond his main work, he contributed to film soundtracks and occasionally acted, appearing in movies like Cuba Gooding Jr.’s “Freedom” and the musical “1776” at New York City Center. He was also a local performer in Southern California, notably on opening night of the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center in 2008, and alongside Carlos Santana at the Hollywood Bowl in 2006.

Jubilant Sykes is survived by his wife and three sons.

An investigation of Sunday’s fatal stabbing is underway, according to Police Lt. Gilmore.

Details on Micah Sykes’ bail and his first court appearance were not immediately available.

Read More

2025-12-10 02:01