John Bradbury (1953 - 2015), drummer for the Specials

John "Brad" Bradbury, the multi-instrumentalist drummer for the British ska revival group The Specials, has died. He was 62.

Celso Pina (1953–2019), legendary Mexican accordionist

Celso Pina was a legendary Mexican accordionist and singer known as “The Accordion Rebel.” He taught himself to play the accordion with no formal training. Pina was a very important musician in the genre of Cumbia music. He was a pioneer in combining tropical music with modern music such as hip-hop, reggae, ska, and other music styles. He released more than 20 albums in his career and toured around the world, including the United States.

Remembering Bob Marley

Bob Marley, with his band the Wailers, brilliantly combined reggae with ska, rocksteady, and British rock to make music beloved around the world. Marley is the best selling reggae artist of all time, and his 1977 album Exodus is considered one of the best albums ever produced. The album includes classic songs "One Love/People Get Ready," "Waiting in Vain," "Three Little Birds," and "Jamming." Marley was just 36 when he died of cancer in 1981. We're remembering the reggae icon on what would have been his 75th birthday.

Toots Hibbert (1942–2020), reggae giant who led the Maytals

Toots Hibbert was the lead singer and primary songwriter for Toots and the Maytals, one of Jamaica’s most foundational reggae and ska bands.

Johnny Nash (1940–2020), ‘I Can See Clearly Now’ singer

Johnny Nash was a singer best known for his No. 1 hit song “I Can See Clearly Now” in 1972.

U-Roy (1942–2021), Jamaican musician who pioneered toasting

U-Roy was a Jamaican musician who pioneered toasting, a precursor to rap music in which a DJ talked over the records he was playing.

Bunny Wailer (1947–2021), reggae icon who co-founded the Wailers

Bunny Wailer was a giant of reggae music who co-founded the Wailers along with and Peter Tosh (1944–1987).

Brian Travers (1959–2021), UB40 founding member

Brian Travers was a founding member, saxophonist, and contributing songwriter for the British reggae/pop band UB40.

Lee “Scratch” Perry (1936–2021), legendary reggae singer and dub pioneer

Lee “Scratch” Perry was one of the giants of reggae music, a singer and producer who pioneered the new genre of dub in the 1970s as he incorporated layered rhythms and samples into remixes of his work.

Astro (1957–2021), founding member of UB40

Astro was a founding member of the British reggae band UB40, known for singles including “Red Red Wine.”

Robbie Shakespeare (1953–2021), Sly and Robbie bassist

Robbie Shakespeare was the bassist in the legendary rhythm section Sly and Robbie.

Frederick Waite Jr. (1967–2022), “Pass the Dutchie” drummer

Frederick Waite Jr. was the drummer for the British reggae band Musical Youth, known for their 1982 hit “Pass the Dutchie.”

Tyrone Downie (1956–2022), pianist with Bob Marley and the Wailers

Tyrone Downie was a pianist best known for his work with Bob Marley and the Wailers in the 1970s and ‘80s.

Joseph “Jo Mersa” Marley (1991–2022), reggae musician and grandson of Bob Marley

Joseph “Jo Mersa” Marley was a reggae musician and the grandson of .

Neville Garrick (1950–2023), Bob Marley’s art director 

Neville Garrick was a Jamaican graphic artist who created album covers and other artwork for stars of reggae, including . 

Aston Barrett (1946–2024), bassist for Bob Marley & the Wailers

Aston “Family Man” Barrett was the bandleader and bass player for and the Wailers and helped create the reggae sound.

Donald Kinsey (1953–2024), guitarist for the Kinsey Report, Wailers

Donald Kinsey co-founded the blues group the Kinsey Report alongside his family members, and he played guitar with such artists as Bob Marley and the Wailers.

“Peetah” Morgan (1977–2024), reggae singer with Morgan Heritage 

Peter Anthony “Peetah” Morgan was the lead singer for the two-time Grammy-winning reggae band Morgan Heritage.

Cocoa Tea (1959–2025), reggae icon

Cocoa Tea was an iconic reggae singer-songwriter best known for his smooth voice and his acclaimed record and single, “Riker’s Island.”