RIP Ewart Beckford, "U-Roy," Jamaican Deejay

[humprof]

Fantastic "toaster"; important figure in the development of dub reggae, dub poetry, dancehall, and rap.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/19/arts/music/u-roy-dead.html

 

[~dave~~wave~]

Had not heard this news.

RIP U-Roy.
Take a bow, take a bow.
Take a bow-wow-wow!

Here's a tribute from reggae writer Lloyd Bradley that's not behind the NYT paywall:
U-Roy: the singularly musical toaster was a vital part of reggae's bloodline

I remember seeing this album cover at the indie record store in '76 but passing on it.
Never showed up again.
Finally got the 1990 Virgin Frontline CD, absolutely killer.

Somehow he got access to the best riddim tracks and producers.
This CD is one of my treasures from the old days of browsing the bins:
U-Roy – The Lost Album - Right Time Rockers (2002, CD)

Among the classic Channel One riddims reworked by Hugh Roy on this album are "Right Time", "Why Me Black Brother", "I Need A Rood", "Have Mercy" and others by the Mighty Diamonds.
He also conquers the "Ali Baba" riddims by Jackie Edwards and the "Dress Back Wicked" riddim by Earth & Stone

 

[humprof]

I forget about the NYT paywall--sorry about that. (They do let you view at least a a few free articles per month, though, right?)

Here's a free version of Genzlinger's obit:
https://repeatingislands.com/2021/02/22/u-roy-whose-toasting-transformed-jamaican-music-dies-at-78/

 

[Old Quad Guy]

Sad to hear about U-Roy’s passing. I listened to hours and hours of his music on KFJC and KKCR’s weekly Reggae radio programs on Sunday.

Th KFJC show is archived for the next two weeks here:
https://kfjc.org/player/#64002