First Name:
Last Name:
Stage Name:
Country:
Born:
D.O.D:
Primary Language:
Other Languages:
Ewart Beckford, professionally known as U-Roy, was born in Jones Town, Kingston, Jamaica. Raised in Kingston’s vibrant sound-system culture, he became interested in music and performance from an early age. He began performing in the early 1960s with local sound systems and later worked with Sir George the Atomic and King Tubby.
U-Roy achieved major success in 1970 with the Jamaican number-one hits “Wake the Town,” “Rule the Nation,” and “Wear You to the Ball.” He became a pioneering figure in reggae through his rhythmic speaking style known as toasting, which influenced dancehall and early hip-hop culture.
His notable albums include “Version Galore,” “Dread in a Babylon,” “Natty Rebel,” “Rasta Ambassador,” and “Talking Roots.” He collaborated with King Tubby, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Duke Reid, and The Wailers. U-Roy received Jamaica’s Order of Distinction and remained active until his death on 17 February 2021.
Discography not yet available. Check later.
Record Label associated with U-Roy - past and current.