Ewart Beckford, better known by his stage name U-Roy, was a renowned Jamaican vocalist. Born into a musically-inclined family in Kingston, he was recognized as a powerful innovator of reggae music’s “toasting” technique, which is somewhat similar to rapping. As reggae music reached international popularity in the 1960s, Beckford became known for his unique sound and impeccable timing, when he laid his vocals over favored tracks from artists like Duke Reid. The DJ was featured on the 2004 Toots... moreEwart Beckford, better known by his stage name U-Roy, was a renowned Jamaican vocalist. Born into a musically-inclined family in Kingston, he was recognized as a powerful innovator of reggae music’s “toasting” technique, which is somewhat similar to rapping. As reggae music reached international popularity in the 1960s, Beckford became known for his unique sound and impeccable timing, when he laid his vocals over favored tracks from artists like Duke Reid. The DJ was featured on the 2004 Toots and Maytals album, True Love, which received a Grammy for Best Reggae Album and featured many respected musicians, like Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, and The Roots. In 2007, the Jamaican government awarded him the Order of Distinction for his incredible contributions to music. Sadly, at 78 years-old, U-Roy passed in his home. Although a cause wasn’t announced, the artist was struggling with several health issues and related surgeries.
