prince-buster

reggae and ska icon Prince Buster, RIP

Reggae and ska icon Prince Buster has died. He was 78. Details are unclear, but news broke via BBC DJ David Rottigan:

It is with great sadness that I have just learned of the death of Jamaica’s music icon and pioneer, Prince Buster. A true music legend. Prince Buster’s death has been confirmed by Mr. Desmond Young, President of The Jamaica Federation of Musicians. Deepest condolences go out to Prince Buster’s wife Mola Ali, his children and family members and manager Delroy Williams.

Born Cecil Bustamente Campbell, Prince Buster is generally regarded as one of Jamaica’s first musical legends, and was one of the pioneers of ’60s ska and rocksteady.

His influence on the UK 2 Tone scene of the late ’70s is enormous, with The Specials covering “Too Hot” on their debut album (and “Enjoy Yourself” on their second), The (English) Beat covering “Rough Rider” on their debut album, and Madness taking their name from one of his early singles, scoring a hit with their cover of “One Step Beyond,” and paying tribute to him on “The Prince” (2 Tone’s second-ever single).

Prince Buster, rest in peace. Your music lives on. Check out some of his music, and a few social media tributes, below.

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