Entertainment · Music · 3 hrs ago
Reggae and rocksteady pioneer Derrick Harriott dies at 87
Jamaican singer and producer Derrick Harriott has died at 87, reportedly at his home on October 24.
Harriott was born in Kingston and began his music career in the 1960s with the group The Jiving Juniors.
He became a leading figure as Jamaican music moved from ska into rocksteady and reggae, with songs including “The Loser” and “Born to Love You.”
He later started his own recording label and produced music with artists such as Dennis Brown, the Ethiopians and the Kingstonians.
His work helped Jamaican music reach wider audiences, and he received the Jamaican government’s Order of Distinction in 2009 and a JaRIA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.
No further details about his death were shared.
Derrick Harriott, a pioneer of reggae and rocksteady, has died at 87.
The Jamaica Observer reported that he died at his home on October 24.
Dorrel Mattocks said Harriott had been sick and in and out of hospital.
Harriott began his music career in the 1960s with The Jiving Juniors before pursuing a solo career.
He later became an independent producer and received Jamaican honors for his contribution to music.
- Who
- Derrick Harriott, Jamaican singer, songwriter and producer.
- What
- He died at 87.
- When
- October 24; the year is not stated in the report of his death.
- Where
- At his home; the location is not stated.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Derrick Clifton Harriott was born in Kingston.
He entered the music scene as a member of The Jiving Juniors.
He received the Order of Distinction from the Jamaican government.
He received a Lifetime Achievement Award in Music from the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association.
The Jamaica Observer reported that Harriott died at his home.
- Age at death
- 87
- Birthplace
- Kingston
- First group
- The Jiving Juniors
- Government honor
- Order of Distinction, 2009
- Lifetime achievement award
- Jamaica Reggae Industry Association, 2019
What people are saying
he was sick and was in and out of hospital
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.