U-Roy

U-Roy Biography: The Originator.

Ewart Beckford, better known as U-Roy, was born on September 21, 1942, in Kingston, Jamaica. His mother, who played the organ at a local seventh-day Adventist church, raised him in a religious household. He listened to artists like Louis Prima, James Brown, Ruth Brown, Fats Domino, and Smiley Lewis as a young boy, and the sounds of Louis Jordan, known as the King of the Jukebox, heavily influenced him.

The golden age of reggae
U-Roy rose to prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s, during the golden age of reggae. His innovative DJ style, characterised by his smooth toasting over instrumentals, changed reggae on a massive scale and laid the foundation for what would later become known as dancehall.

In 1969, U-Roy released his breakthrough single, “Wake the Town,” which became an instant hit and catapulted him to stardom. His distinctive voice, witty lyrics, and infectious energy captivated audiences both in Jamaica and abroad, earning him the title of “The Originator” and establishing him as one of the most influential figures in reggae music.

In 1970, U-Roy released “Version Galore,” which became a cornerstone of the DJ genre and solidified his status as a pioneer of dancehall. The album featured U-Roy’s trademark toasting over reworked versions of popular reggae beats, demonstrating his ability to transform existing songs into fresh, dynamic creations.

Collaborations
He continued to dominate reggae music in the 70s with a number of successful singles and albums. Collaborations with producers Duke Reid and Lee “Scratch” Perry creating classic tunes like “Wear You to the Ball,” “Tom Drunk,” and “Runaway Girl,” which showcased his amazing talent as a DJ and lyricist.

He started his own sound system in 1978, which he named Stur Gav after his sons. The sound system would launch the careers of a younger generation of artists, including the now-legendary Josey Wales, Ranking Joe and Jah Screw, to name a few.

During the 1990s, he released a number of albums produced by Mad Professor, including “True Born African” (1991) which is available in the Pauzeradio reggae vinyl shop, “Smile A While” (1993), and “Babylon Kingdom Must Fall” (1996).

More than reggae
His influence reached beyond Jamaica, as his music gained traction in countries all over the world. His energetic performances and incredible stage presence mesmerised audiences all over Europe, North America, and the world, earning him a loyal fan base and praise on the international stage.

Collaborations with international artists like The Clash, Massive Attack, and Sublime, inspired by his pioneering contributions to reggae and hip-hop music, greatly impacted the global music scene.

Legacy and Influence
Reggae will always remember U-Roy as a trailblazer. He played a pivotal role in shaping the DJ’ing and toasting techniques that have become synonymous with dancehall and hip-hop culture, influencing generations of artists across a wide range of genres.

People admired U-Roy not only for his musical contributions but also for his charismatic personality, humility, and dedication to his craft. He remained actively involved in the music industry all of his life, continuing to perform and record well into his later years.

Throughout his success, U-Roy remained grounded and connected to his roots in Kingston’s Trench Town. He was known for his generosity, kindness, and commitment to giving back to his community, supporting a number of charitable initiatives and mentoring aspiring musicians.

U-Roy passed away on February 17, 2021, leaving behind a unique legacy that continues to inspire people around the world. Many current well-known dancehall artists, like Shabba Ranks and Sean Paul, to name a few, have given credit to U-Roy for being an influence on their careers.

Final Album
In 2022 Trojan Jamaica released Solid Gold, U-Roys’ final album, with guest appearances from Tarrus Riley, Jesse Royal, Richie Spice, Big Youth and many more. The album was originally set to be released in 2020, with plans for a worldwide tour in support, but unfortunately, the pandemic delayed the release. The vinyl version of this album is available in the Pauzeradio reggae vinyl shop.

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U-Roy Biography written by Gav Pauze / Pauzeradio PR Services (24 March 2024).