Erekeosima Jim Lawson, widely recognized as Cardinal Rex or Pastor Jim Rex Lawson, was a deeply emotional and philosophically inclined Nigerian highlife singer, trumpeter, alto saxophonist, and bandleader, commanding a significant presence in the African highlife music scene during the 1960s. His musical journey began as a band boy for Lord Eddyson's Starlight Melody Orchestra, an early stepping stone to his illustrious career. He later assumed the leadership of the Majors Band, where his talent truly flourished. What set him apart was his remarkable ability to sing in various languages and dialects, including Kalabari, Nembe, Ijaw (Izon), Igbo, Urhobo, Ibibio, and Efik, as well as those from Cameroon and Ghana. Tragically, he passed away in his early 30s, but his musical legacy endures.