Reggae Pioneer U-Roy Dies at 78
Celebrity
The Jamaican reggae musician, who introduced the vocal style of toasting which eventually evolved into the modern-day rap, has passed away at the age of 78. Feb 19, 2021
Born
Ewart Beckford, the artist, also known as
Daddy U-Roy, began his career as a DJ, and became famed for creating the vocal style of toasting, in which musicians performed rhymical speech over a reggae or dancehall beat - which eventually evolved into modern-day rap.
He signed his first recording contract with Jamaican producer and label owner Arthur Duke Reid in 1970, and enjoyed early success with singles Wake the Town , This Station Rule the Nation , and Wear You to the Ball .