Ralph Delly, beloved Haitian Times columnist and towering figure in the Haitian music industry, dies at 61

Jean Ralph Delly, the beloved music and entertainment columnist at The Haitian Times, passed away on Thursday, October 3, following complications from a brain injury sustained after he was hit by an electric scooter in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park On May 13. He was 61 years old. His sister, Dr. Maryse Delly-Mesadieu, confirmed that his injuries eventually led to his passing, marking the end of a remarkable life deeply intertwined with the Haitian Music Industry (HMI).

Delly’s death has left a profound void in the HMI and the broader Haitian diaspora. Known for his sharp wit and deep understanding of Haitian music, Delly was considered a towering figure in his field despite his slim stature. Through his celebrated column, The Delly Dish, Delly’s voice became one of the most respected and recognizable in Haitian music journalism. His column covered everything from artist controversies to the evolving sounds of Haitian music, resonating deeply with readers both in Haiti and abroad.

Delly’s career in journalism was marked by a passion for uncovering the stories behind the music. He worked with prominent media outlets such as Radio Métropole in Haiti, WNWK/107.5 FM, and Radio Soleil d’Haïti. He solidified his place as an influential figure in both the Haitian and Haitian American diaspora. His work offered a mix of entertainment news, gossip, and thoughtful critiques, helping elevate the profile of Haitian music on a global stage.

Garry Pierre-Pierre, the founder and publisher of The Haitian Times, recruited Delly shortly after the publication’s launch. Pierre-Pierre, who managed to convince Delly to return last year, shared how readers immediately began to complain when Delly’s popular column – Woyy – moved behind a paywall. Reflecting on Delly’s legacy, Pierre-Pierre said:

“Ralph was a slim figure, but his presence was enormous. He was the voice that narrated the growth of Haitian music in America, connecting us all. We lost a giant in the community. No one had more sources than Ralph. He had a way to get the deepest, most intimate information about people.”

Valerio Saint Louis, a journalist at Voice of America and television host in New York, echoed these sentiments. “Ralph Delly’s legacy extends beyond his impressive body of work,” Saint Louis said. “He inspired a generation of media professionals, demonstrating that success and humility can coexist. His impact on Haitian music and culture will be felt for years to come.”

Delly’s love for Haitian music extended far beyond the pages of his column. He was a constant presence at concerts and cultural events, where he mingled with the likes of Zin, Lakol, and Zenglen. He became a mentor to younger artists, encouraging them to stay true to their roots and pushing them to reach their full potential.

One of those artists, Alan Cavé, renowned Haitian singer and former lead vocalist of Zin, recalled his friendship with Delly. “I met Ralph at Zin Productions in Brooklyn when he was the band’s press agent,” Cavé shared. “Our connection deepened over the years as we shared a mutual love for writing. We often exchanged ideas on lyrics and inspired each other’s creativity. What I will remember most about Ralph is his incredible sense of humor—his jokes brought light to every situation, and his laughter will be dearly missed.”

Born in Port-au-Prince, Delly emigrated to the United States in the late 1980s. He pursued his studies at Carlos Albizu University in Miami and later at City College of New York (CUNY), establishing himself as a versatile media professional across both Haiti and the U.S. His expertise spanned multiple outlets, and his contributions helped to elevate the standard of journalism in the Haitian diaspora.

Delly is survived by his two adult children Melkichar Delly, his son and  daughter Arielle Delly. He is also survived by his ex-wife Guyline Mesidor; his brothers: Carlo Delly, Frantz Delly, Patrick Delly; his sister Rose Allaine Doremy and his brother in law Rickter Mesadieu.

Dr. Delly-Mesadieu said that she and her brother were the two youngest in the family and were very close to each other growing up in Haiti. She remembered them playing school but Ralph always insisted that he be the teacher instead of a pupil. 

“It’s not that Ralph is dead, Dr. Delly-Mesadieu said.” I know we all have to die. It was the way he died. It was tragic. Unbelievable.”

Dessalines Ferdinand, the founder and publisher of Le Floridien in Miami, collaborated frequently with Delly and admired his profound intellect and passion for Haitian culture. “Ralph was a man of profound intellect and cultural depth,” Ferdinand remarked. “He championed the highest standards of our profession with unwavering conviction. His vision for the Haitian Music Industry often surpassed that of the very artists he promoted. His passion for truth and dedication to preserving culture not only elevated his own work but left an indelible mark on the entire field of journalism.”

Delly’s journey was not without challenges. Longtime colleague Ed Lozama, who worked with Delly at Radio Carnivale in Miami, shared a particularly poignant chapter of Delly’s life in a heartfelt Facebook post. In 2002, while covering Haiti’s carnival festivities, Delly contracted a virus that severely weakened his immune system, leading to meningitis. 

“This illness robbed him of his hearing, a cruel twist of fate for a man whose career and passion relied so heavily on sound,” Lozama wrote. 

There will be a viewing for Ralph Delly on Friday, October 18, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at McManus Funeral Home, located at 6401 Avenue N in Brooklyn. The funeral service will follow on Saturday, October 19, at Our Lady of Miracles Church, 757 86th Street, Brooklyn.

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