Guyanese historian, Pan-Africanist and Black Power activist whose 1968 banning from Jamaica sparked the Rodney Riots, a flashpoint for the political consciousness that fueled roots reggae. Author of 'How Europe Underdeveloped Africa.'
Lead singer of Inner Circle and frequent Augustus Pablo collaborator, killed in a car crash on Hope Road, Kingston, just after returning from a trip to Brazil with Bob Marley. He was 27.
The pioneering melodica player and dub producer releases his album on RAS Records; it would be his last release before his death two months later.
Ska/rocksteady/reggae singer (b. Martin Norman Riley), member of The Sensations and The Uniques and father of Tarrus Riley, died in New York after a battle with cancer, aged 68.
Also on the calendar: Jimmy Riley was born — May 22nd
Albert "Apple Gabriel" Craig, founding lead singer of roots harmony trio Israel Vibration, died after a long illness. He was 64.
Also on the calendar: Apple Gabriel was born — April 24th
Inner Circle's lead singer dies in a car accident on Hope Road, Kingston, Jamaica, age 27, shortly before a planned US tour with Bob Marley and the Wailers.
Also on the calendar: Jacob Miller was born — May 4th · Jacob Miller was born — May 4th
The Harder They Come (1972) was inducted into the Library of Congress National Recording Registry in 2021.
Hawaii Reggae Network is Hawaii's 24/7 reggae radio station, streaming live from Maui.
