Remembering those who died in 2025

Today, we pause to remember those who made a solid contribution to the music industry and bowed out in the year 2025. This list includes a lot of veterans, some of whom were still active in the business, entertainers who were ailing and those whose deaths were a total surprise.

Allan Cole

Legendary footballer, Allan Aloysius ‘Skill’ Cole, who was a close friend of Bob Marley and made his name in the music industry, died on September 9, 2025 at the University Hospital of the West Indies. He was 74 years.

Barry G

Influential radio disc jockey, Barrington ‘Barry G the Boogieman’ Gordon, passed away at the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital in Westmoreland. The Boogieman excelled as King of afternoon radio, starting at the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation in the 1970s, right after graduating from Kingston College.

In a tribute, his widow Josett stated: “Barrington completed his earthly journey at the age of 69 on October 29, 2025. Barry was a remarkable person whose spirit left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His friendliness, warmth, and quick wit made us all feel at ease. We will forever cherish the laughter, wisdom, and light that he has given us over the years. With his unique voice and broad intelligence, he inspired others and elevated every conversation over the airwaves. His humour made even the toughest days feel lighter. We carry his memory with deep gratitude, honoured to have experienced someone so extraordinary.”

Clive Brown,

Clive ‘Snowball’ Brown, the singer of the much loved Festival song, Chiquitita, passed away on October 9, 2025. He was 71.

Cocoa Tea

It was known that the sweet Cocoa Tea from Clarendon was facing the greatest health challenge of his life and unfortunately, the fake news lobby insisted on putting it out there that he had died. So much so, that when it was reported that the Rikers Island singer took his final breath on March 11, 2025, many wondered if it was true. Coco Tea was 65.

Danny English

Dancehall deejay Danny English, passed away on January 23, 2025, at the Kingston Public Hospital following a long battle with diabetes. He died at the age of 54. He was best known for his 2002 international hit, Party Time, a collaboration with Egg Nog on the hard-hitting ‘Diwali’ riddim. Born Donald Cox, he died on January 23, 2025, at the age of 54.

Determine

The death of Kette Drum singer, Rohan ‘Determine’ Bennett, came as a complete shock to the music industry. Determine, who died on February 13, 2025, at age 52, was quietly battling stomach cancer. He passed away in hospital overseas.

Hopeton James

Reggae singer Hopeton James, known as the ‘Melody King’ passed away on December 12, 2025. Known as the ‘Medley King’ for his distinctive style blending soul and Jamaican rhythms. A popular figure in producer Winston Riley’s camp, he had a number of songs that connected solidly with his fan base. However, in 1991, he got a major hit with Samfie Lover, a collaboration with Lady G. James, who was born on February 21, 1961, in Kingston, was 65.

Jah Fabio

Mexican reggae singer Jah Fabio, passed away on May 24, 2025. He was 43. The singer, whose passion for reggae music and Jamaican culture was unmatched, has been living with chronic kidney disease for many years, but refused to let it dictate his life. His most memorable performance was at the Bob Marley birthday celebration at Emancipation Park in 2024. Jah Fabio had been signed to perform at Reggae Sumfest in July 2025.

Joe Lickshot

Harold ‘Joe Lickshot’ Jackson , the hypest intro man in dancehall, was remembered as “an irrepressible character and great story-teller”. One of the dancehall culture pioneers of vocal sound effects, Lickshot, as his name suggested, used his mouth to imitate the sound of gunshots and built an entire career around sound effects. He stamped his authority in the dancehall spaces and even the biggest artiste welcomed Joe onstage when he walked up during their performance. Joe Lickshot died on November 16, 2025. He was 70.

Jimmy Cliff

Grammy award-winning, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, musician, singer, songwriter, actor and humanitarian Jimmy Cliff died overseas on November 24, 2025, from complications from pneumonia, after suffering a seizure. A global ambassador for reggae music and a beloved figure in Jamaican cinema, known for hits like Wonderful World, Beautiful People and his role in The Harder They Come. On Wednesday, December 17, the life and legacy of Jimmy Cliff were celebrated at the National Arena in Kingston at an event staged by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and curated by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission.

Junior Byles

Rocksteady and reggae singer and song-writer, Kenneth Thaddeus William Byles Jr, aka Junior Byles, was born on February 2, 1948 in Kingston, and died on May 15, 2025, at the Kingston Public Hospital. His story was one of mental health challenges, and despite having a supportive family, his struggles continued. Junior Byles contributed significantly to Jamaican music with blockbuster hits that will never Fade Away.

Leroy Gibbons

Veteran reggae singer Leroy Gibbons, whose real name was Leroy Gibbon, died on June 17, 2025, in Hanover, after collapsing at a recording studio in the parish. Gibbons, who started out in gospel and then made his way to reggae and lovers rock, was known for hits, such as Four Season Lover and Magic Moment. He was 74.

Max Romeo

Pioneering singer, Maxwell Livingston ‘Max Romeo’ Smith, passed away on April 11, 2025, from heart complications. A singer with a huge catalogue and who was touring up to 2024, among his biggest hits were Wet Dream, Chase the Devil, and War Ina Babylon. Born on November 22, Max Romeo was 80.

Owen Gray

Trailblazing singer, Owen Gray, died on July 20, 2025, in England. He was 86. Gray, who left behind a significant legacy, had his greatest wish granted when in August 2023, he was awarded the Order of Distinction from the Jamaican Government.

Prilly Hamilton

Milton ‘Prilly’ Hamilton, original lead singer for Reggae ambassadors, Third World, died on Monday, February 17, 2025, in Florida following a brief illness. He was 74.

Vincent Morgan

Musician Vincent ‘Vin’ Morgan, passed away on June 6, 2025, in Linstead, following a brief illness. He was 75. A respected drummer, percussionist, producer, and engineer, Vin Morgan, was hailed for his significant contribution to the music industry.

Ken Parker

Singer, Kenneth ‘Ken Parker’ Farquharson, known for hits like Help Me Make It Through the Night, passed away in Florida on February 22, 2025. He was born on February 23, 1948. A regular at Studio One, he recorded singles such as Choking Kind, Run Come, and My Whole World is Falling Down, and an album, Keep Your Eyes on Jesus, followed in 1968. On Duke Reid’s label, he had hits such as Jimmy Brown, Help Me Make it Through the Night, and Kiss an Angel Good Morning.

Sheldon ‘Calibud’ Stewart

Producer and engineer Sheldon ‘Calibud’ Stewart, the stepson of legendary producer, Bobby Digital, died on June 30, 2025, in New York. Known for his work with artistes like Buju Banton and Warrior King, Calibud left a significant legacy in reggae and dancehall music.

Edward ‘Tan Tan’ Thornton

Legendary Jamaican trumpeter, Edward ‘Tan Tan’ Thornton, passed away in England on December 10, 2025. He was 94. A graduate of Alpha Boys’ School, Tan Tan played with The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Aswad. His death was a significant loss for ska, jazz, and reggae.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com