Owen Gray obit

Reggae Legend Owen Gray Has Died

 

He was not on the list.

Jamaican music legend Owen Gray has died.

The news was confirmed earlier today by multiple sources close to the singer. Owen Gray was 86 years old, and no cause of death has been given.

A defining figure in the evolution of Jamaican music, Owen Gray’s earliest recordings touch on the R&B and boogie sounds that permeated the island’s sound system culture during the late 50s and early 60s. A formative voice in the emergence of ska, he notched up a number of ‘firsts’ – including the first record to be released on Chris Blackwell’s Island Records imprint.

Associated with the legendary Alpha School for Boys, his early hit ‘On The Beach’ saluted the Sir Coxsone Downbeat sound system.

Emigrating to the UK in 1962, Owen Gray found a ready-made audience amongst Britain’s blossoming Caribbean communities and the Mod underground, who adored his ska recordings.

Seizing upon the slower, soulful sounds of rocksteady, he recorded widely, later notching up an anthem for the late 60s skinhead sub-culture with his ‘Apollo 12’ disc.

Continually changing his sound, Owen Gray maintained close links with Jamaica – his song ‘Hail The Man’ was a salute to Haile Selassie, and its conscious reggae feel was a huge favourite with the Rastafarian community.

Writing, recording, and performing to the end, Owen Gray’s life represents an incredible chapter in the birth and formation of Jamaican music, and a contributing factor in its International success.

Fellow Jamaican legend Dennis Alcapone writes: “Owen Gray R I P My Brother. May your Soul Forever Rest in Peace. Owen Gray was one of our first Recording Artists. Gone but never will be Forgotten. Condolences to your Family and friends”