U-RoyJamaica |1942| EnglishEwart Beckford, popularly known as U-Roy, was a groundbreaking Jamaican reggae artist and a pioneer of toasting, a rhythmic and rhyming vocal style that heavily influenced the genre. Raised in a musically inclined family, he began DJing in 1961, collaborating with notable producers like Coxsone Dodd and King Tubby. His debut single, "Dynamic Fashion Way," was released in 1969, marking the start of a successful career. U-Roy achieved fame with hits like "Wake the Town," "Rule the Nation," and "Wear You to the Ball," contributing to Jamaica's burgeoning dancehall movement in the 1970s. His influence extended internationally, and he remained active in music until his passing in February 2021 at the age of 78.