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Winston Riley Obituary
Riley died Thursday at University Hospital of the West Indies, where he had been a patient since November, when he was shot at his house in an upscale neighborhood in the capital of Kingston, his son Kurt Riley said Friday.
Riley also had been shot in August and was stabbed in September last year. His record store in Kingston's downtown business district also was burned down several years ago. Police have said they know of no motives and have not arrested anyone.
Kurt Riley told the Jamaica Observer newspaper that the family did not know what motivated the attacks.
"Unfortunately, Daddy didn't wake up so we could talk to him to find out if there was something he was not telling us," he was quoted as saying. "He was a straightforward man who was allergic to hypocrisy."
As a teen ager, Riley founded an influential harmony group, The Techniques, which recorded for pioneer producer Arthur "Duke" Reid. Riley also toured with Byron Lee and later gained fame for producing songs such as "Double Barrel" by Dave Barker and Ansell Collins.
He worked with musicians including Gregory Isaacs, Johnny Osbourne, Sister Nancy and Buju Banton.
Musicologist Kingsley Goodison, who knew Riley for more than 40 years, said he was one of the people responsible for introducing reggae to England.
"Winston Riley is an unsung hero," he said. "He was one of the hardest workers in the business."
Riley also is credited with creating the stalag rhythm, which later influenced hip-hop and dancehall. Unlike his contemporaries who shunned dancehall music, Riley embraced contemporary reggae and had several big hits during the 1980s.
One of his biggest productions was singer Tenor Saw's "Ring The Alarm", which has been sampled by several hip-hop artists.
Riley is survived by several children and grandchildren.
HOWARD CAMPBELL/Associated Press
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
23 Entries
Terry Irie
March 6, 2020
Your contribution to reggae music will not be forgotten. Thank you for all that youve given the world with your record label. R.I.P.
MJ F
November 17, 2012
Heartfelt condolences to the
family for your loss. May the
loving arms of the God of all
comfort embrace you today and for
all days, forever.
------
Sentido pésame a las
de la familia por su pérdida. Que
el brazos amorosos de Dios de toda
consolar a abrazarte hoy y para
todos los días, para siempre.
---------------------------------
May the peace of God that excels
all thought comfort you as you look
to our Heavenly Father for strength
and endurance.
-----
Que la paz de Dios que supera
todo el pensamiento te consolará
cuando se mira
a nuestro Padre Celestial
por la fuerza
y la resistencia.
marcia Beckford
February 4, 2012
May your soul rest in peace and Gods light perpectually shine on you
How you can show support
LATOYA
January 28, 2012
Wow!!! Dad I still can't believe your gone but you wont be forgotten. You were a great producer an icon in the music industry and your legacy will live on foever. Heaven ha gain an musical angel.....love you DAD
Krystal
January 27, 2012
R.I.P. The world has lost a great producer, songwriter but most of all a great father, grandfather and a loving brother 2 my mom n aunty. Uncle Winston u will b greatly missed. May ur soul Rest IN Peace. Luv u always!!!
Donald Miller
January 27, 2012
myself, I admire Wiston's general persona. He was much respected and he gave me much moral support which assisted me to aspire to where I am today.Walk good Winston
Linda
January 23, 2012
In deepest sympathy for your loss. May the peace of God that excels all thought be with you and comfort you.
January 22, 2012
To the Riley family, my sympathy for the loss of your beloved one. May you find comfort and strength from the God of all comfort. Erma L. Davis, Park Forest, IL.
Dione Taylor
January 22, 2012
I'm sorry that Mr. Riley meet such and untimely death. But his life was not in vain he was a producer, he had forsight which he was a pioneer in recordings and helping to get reggae main steam, so everyone could really enjoy it. Producing songs and people so we can enjoy them. thank you!
January 21, 2012
May the God of comfort be with the family. 2Cor. 1:3,4.
phillip whittaker
January 21, 2012
respect mr riley for the great music you have produced,condolence to all family/& close friends
Nesta La Whaai
January 21, 2012
My condolence to the family, a great artist and producer. Thank you for the Cool A Riddim Winston. Fe ever in our hearts!
Christine Fawcett
January 21, 2012
Condolence to the family of Mr Winston Riley. R.I.P.Sir. <3
Anthony Mitchell
January 21, 2012
Even though such a wonderful man as Mr. Riley has fallen asleep in death right now, he and others will be resurrected to life on a paradise earth very soon. Then Winston will live in perfect human health where he can never die again!
Chrissy
January 21, 2012
My condolence to the family of the late Winston Riley. When i was in Jamaica i would always tune in to Kurt Riley on fame FM. May God be with you all.
Cynthia
January 21, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
January 21, 2012
My sympathy is with your family at this sad time. Always remember that God and his word will give your family what they need at this time to heal. 1 Peter 5:10.
G.R. Park Forest,IL
January 21, 2012
My sincere condolence to the family
January 21, 2012
To the the family of Winston Riley - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
NOVA LEWIS
January 20, 2012
TO MY COUSINS KURT AND DONA-HUE RIELY AND THE RILEY FAMILY: May the lord gives you peace during your time of loss. LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED.
Cynthia
January 20, 2012
Rest in Peace!
January 20, 2012
I am truly sorry for your loss. May your memories of happier times help you all to cope and endure these difficult days.
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