Derrick Harriott, a pioneering name in the rocksteady and reggae genres, has passed away. The musical legend was well known for various songs, including ‘Born to Love You,’ ‘The Loser,’ and ‘Let Me Down Easy.‘ He was 87 years old at the time of his passing.
Derrick Harriott passes away
The Jamaica Observer reported that the legendary musician passed away at his home on October 24. In another statement, Dorrel Mattocks, operator of the Derrick Harriott Music Store at Twin Gates Plaza in St. Andrew, revealed that ‘The Gleaner’ singer “was sick and was in and out of the hospital.”No other details about his passing were shared online.
Tributes pour in for Derrick Harriott
Soon after the news of his demise was shared online, many people started sharing their condolences and well wishes online, remembering the artist for his work over the years. A netizen on X posted a photo of the singer and wrote, “I am truly saddened to learn of the passing of Derrick Harriott. Derrick was a true pioneer of Jamaican music. I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, loved ones, and to the wider music fraternity. May his soul rest in peace and may his music live on.”Another social media user added, “Great man! May he rest in peace,” while another person added, “RIP… maybe the greatest producer/writer to come out of Jamaica. His work with the Kingstonians especially. “Hold Down…” “Sufferer…” “Singer Man…”Jamaican politician Nekeisha Burchell also issued a statement after the singer’s passing while talking to The Jamaican Observer. She shared, “Derrick Harriott belonged to that remarkable generation of Jamaican musicians who did not simply make music. They helped build an industry, shape a national identity, and create a sound that would travel far beyond our shores.”She further talked about his music and how his songs even introduced the younger generations to some old legends and that she will always hold his music close to her heart.
Who was Derrick Harriott?
Born Derrick Clifton Harriott in Kingston on February 6, 1939, Harriott entered the music scene during the 1960s when he started as a member of the group The Jiving Juniors. Some of the group’s works included tunes like ‘Lollipop Girl,’ ‘Over the River,’ and ‘I’ll Be Here When He Comes.’After gaining public recognition with the group, he ventured out into his solo career. Some of his big hits from the time included ‘I Care,’ ‘What Can I Do,’ ‘The Jerk,’ ‘I’m Only Human,’ ‘The Loser,’ and ‘Solomon,’ to name a few. He was one of the few artists of the time that was on the steady rise, where Jamaican music was growing outwards from the ska genre and venturing into rocksteady and reggae.Later, he also established his own recording label and became one of Jamaica’s important independent producers. Under his company, he worked with many other famed musicians in the industry, including names like Dennis Brown, the Ethiopians, Keith & Tex, Big Youth, the Kingstonians, Rudy Mills, and Scotty.He also received honors for his contribution to the music industry and for helping make Jamaican music more mainstream and global. In 2009, he received the Order of Distinction from the Jamaican government. Later, in 2019, he also received a Lifetime Achievement Award in Music from the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA).
