British reggae pioneer Delroy Washington dies

Recording artist was one of the first to sign for major record companies such as CBS, Island and Virgin

LEGEND: Delroy Washington

BRITISH REGGAE pioneer and singer, Delroy Washington, one of the first artists to be signed to major record companies such CBS, Island and Virgin, has passed away in London on Friday, March 27 after a short illness.

He was also the founder and CEO of the Federation of Reggae Music UK, the Reggae Trade and Development association, which for many years had at its forefront campaign, the recognition of the London Borough of Brent as the Reggae Capital of the UK and Europe because it was from here that Island Records, Jet Star and many other producers, artists and musicians emerged.

Dawn Butler, Labour MP for Brent, paid the following tribute on news of his passing: “My deepest condolences goes out to Delroy’s family, friends and fans. Delroy was a great musician and a friend. He played with Bob Marley and the Wailers and was never short of a story or two.

CAPITAL

“Delroy cared passionately about reggae music and I am pleased that he was a part of making Brent the reggae capital of Europe and I am sure Brent will launch the reggae tours in his name. Brent will honour Delroy and I will miss a friend.”

Discovered by Reggae legend Bob Marley, Delroy Washington was signed to Johnny Nash’s JAD Cayman Music along with Marley in the 1970s. He worked with Bob Marley and The Wailers and was taught rhythm guitar initially by Reggae Ranny ‘Bop’ Williams and subsequently by Marley, Wailers bassist and multi-instrumentalist Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett who also taught him to play bass guitar.

He also worked with reggae legend Alton Ellis who introduced him to Major 7th chords on guitar. His ‘I-Sus’ and ‘Rasta’ albums for Virgin are Reggae landmarks.

TRIBUTE: Dawn Butler

Delroy was a big advocate for British reggae and helped scores of artists to launch careers in the music business including Boney M’s Liz Mitchell, Junior Giscombe, David Grant, Phil Fearon and Hi-Tension. He supported the careers of UK Reggae stalwarts Aswad and Steel Pulse, Soul II Soul’s Caron Wheeler, Queen of Lovers Rock Carroll Thompson and coached Bob Marley’s children The Melody Makers in Jamaica in their childhood.

Delroy was always rooted in his community, not only in Brent, but further afield. As an activist he worked with Lord Paul Boateng to help scrap the Sus Law and also helped create and develop major community initiatives such as 12 Tribes of Israel, HPCC Bridge Park, I & I Idren of Israel in Wales. He is also the original creator of the UK’s One Love Festival, a popular weekend reggae music outdoor festival.

“Delroy cared passionately about reggae music and I am pleased that he was a part of making Brent the reggae capital of Europe

Dawn Butler, MP

He was also instrumental, along with Nubian Jak Community Trust and Brent Council, in getting a Blue Heritage Plaque erected for Jamaican Reggae legend Dennis Emmanuel Brown at his second home in Harlesden, north London in April 2012.

At the Commemoration ceremony, Washington had said: “This is an historic day and we give thanks as this celebration is part of a wider project of Reggae 2012, the celebrations is also liked to  Jamaica’s 50th year of Independence from Britain and the recognition that Ska came out of Jamaica 50 years ago.”

Comments Form

49 Comments

  1. | Narice Ramsay

    Delroy was a big influence in my life during the 70’s. He was extremely intelligent and we use to have big discussions which would sometimes last throughout the night. A great man who was under-utilised

    Reply

  2. | Evadney Campbell

    This is truly sad news. My condolences goes out to Delroy’s family and friends. I met Delroy in person when he launched The Federation of Reggae UK. Since moving to London in 2001, Delroy and I had many long conversations when he would talk of his plans for recognition of reggae music in this country. Today of all days, we hear of the death of so many reggae greats, 2020 will be remembered for all the wrong things. May his soul RIEP.

    Reply

  3. | D Mekka Stephenson

    I can recall the last time meeting up with Delroy. it was at the university of westminster.Bass Culture was the theme of the event which was including the influence of black music on modern culture within the UK. He wil be missed by many although he is in a better place now.
    Mr D Mekka Stephenson Sac Dip

    Reply

  4. | Valerita Johnson

    RIP… Flip Fraser …, RIP Delroy Washington …GBNF never….?

    Reply

  5. | Buz wes

    Delroy was a big influence in my life from back in the 70s when I was chilling with members of Aswad when tunes like back to Africa was being rehearsed

    Reply

  6. | LINCOLN A BESWICK MBE.

    I HAVE KNOWN DELROY IN EXCESS OF THIRTY YEARS, HE WAS A STALWART IN THE COMMUNITY, ATRUE PIONEER IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, A TRUE PIONEER IN ESTABLISHING HARLESDEN AS THE REGGAE CAPITAL OF EUROPE. HE FOUGHT FOR FELLOW ARTISTS TO EARN REVENUE FROM THEIR MUSIC. HE WAS A PEOPLES PERSON . WE HAVE LOST A TRUE PIONEER, A THOROUGH DECENT PERSON. A BROTHER, A FORMER CONSTITUENT, A FRIEND . HONOURED AND REMEMBERED. RIP???????? +++✋?

    Reply

  7. | Hughie Rose

    My condolences to you and your Family,Ras Delroy and may you rest in eternal Power.
    Regards Hughie

    Reply

  8. | Pete king

    A beautiful gentle person with a huge heart. He helped so many achieve their dreams.

    Reply

  9. | Mykaell Riley

    I’ll remember Delroy for his organisation Federation of Reggae Music. Through this platform, he fought tirelessly to represent a generation of Caribbean musicians that gave their best years to the UK music scene. I’ll also remember him for his educational work and his championing of reggae music as a force to transform young lives. Nowhere was this devotion to music more apparent than his home town of Brent. Where he continue doing what he loved the most.

    Reply

  10. | Heather Morris

    I knew Delroy through his younger brother BG..since the late 70s..always had a smile..he also was part of Not another drop..a Brent based gun and knife crime charity..we marched on the peace March through Harlsden together ..he was very passionate about helping the young people..May he rest in eternal sunshine ???

    Reply

  11. | Frank Payne.

    I shall Remember Delroy Washington with great Fondness.I met him at The 100 Club in London in 1977 where he was doing a gig & from that day we became friends.He was a great guy to have in your corner,Believe Me.Not only was he passionate about his music,but also about his community.I am shellshocked by his passin,As are many others.Delroy had a Heart of Gold,& His Kindness was second to none.He was always there for you if you needed avise or someone to talk,Also it was Delroy that introduced me to many of the artistes of The Reggae Fraternity.My Condolences go out to the family of Delroy Washington.
    Delroy Washington.5/11/1952 to 27/3/2020 -R.I.E.P.

    Reply

  12. | Walter A.H

    This is a sad moment for us reggae fans. Delroy is a legend. His music truely inspired and changed many souls. Rest in Peace friend!

    Reply

  13. | Alvin Vernon

    I knew Delroy through his association with FORM. We had many long in depth conversations about the sector. I recall going to the Bob Marley Blue Plaque event he organised as well as other meetings. His depth of knowledge was second to none. He will be missed. May he rest with the ancestors now his earthly works are done ??.

    Reply

  14. | Claude

    This man is a big artist when I was growing up RIP and my condolences to his family

    Reply

  15. | Clem Bushay

    R.I.P

    My Dear friend Delroy Washington

    Delroy Washington and I met in London in 1970 and we soon became competitors in singing contest at the Apollo Club Willesden, London.

    We became good friends,along with Rauf Adu the Cimmarons Bob Marley and the Wailers and Alton Ellis who was my Tutor.

    It was about that time that I started music production at SWM studio Farringdon, London.

    Delroy was constantly visiting the studio when I was recording and I gave Delroy his first break by recording a song that he wrote (entitled:)Have you ever love some

    It was released on an Album (Dread in Session)by Clem Bushay.

    The Musician that played on this song were: some members of the Cimmarons plus Ken Boothe on Piano and Winston Wright on organ.

    Delroy also sing on Tapper Zukie’s Man ah Warrior Album another Artist that was discovered and produced by Clem Bushay.

    Delroy was a kind and humble Man that love his African roots, naming a record label Axum, after the great City in Ethiopia.

    Bro: you’ll go down in history as one of the original Lover’s Rock Artists that worked with Clem Bushay.

    Peace

    Reply

  16. | Ebonii Edwards

    Reggae has lost a valuable note….May the ancestors receive him with gentle loving arms.

    Such a sad loss….

    Reply

  17. | Shelley Crawford

    May your soul RIP Delroy God has gained a dedicated true angel gone but never forgotten .
    You were so true to the cause and a real Nubian Solider for real Reggea Music.
    Shelley Crawford.

    Reply

  18. | Syreeta

    Rest in peace greatness

    Reply

  19. | Refoulouma

    Jah live

    Reply

  20. | The Diva Of London

    May our Brother Delroy be warmly received by our ancestors. Your beautiful voice, songs and laughter will be remembered and your legacy lives on.
    One love. Rise in peace.?

    Reply

  21. | Rebecca Blondzilla Johnson

    All the above, remarkable man:
    Disciplined Visionary with a heart of gold, relentlesss energy and determination, and an immensely strong sense of social responsibility. A mentor for many, young and old .. with a voice that was still so fresh and even impoved over the years….. but most of all ….My amazing Friend. Shocked and immensely Saddened ?.

    Reply

  22. | Tony Uriah Smith

    RIP my brother. Our Country man, my condolences to all who knew him and to his family.

    Reply

  23. | Ras Wayo

    What is said of you, when you are finally gone must be one that touched the lives of others positively.

    And brother Delroy has done that perfectly. Guidance brethren!!!

    Reply

  24. | Hazel Sawyers

    Condolences to family and friends Delroy was so knowledgeable on reggae music. He was like a www on reggae. May he rest in eternal peace.

    Reply

  25. | Jean Nevitt

    RIP blessed Ras,Brother

    Reply

  26. | BARRY BIGGS

    DELROY WAS ALWAYS WILLING TO HELP ANYONE. HE WAS VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT REGGAE, AND HAD SOME BRILLIANT IDEAS. HE WOULD CALL ME, AND WE WOULD CHAT FOR HOURS EXCHANGING VIEWS AND PLANS FOR OUR MUSIC. WE HAVE LOST A REAL PIONEER. HE WILL SADLY BE MISSED. RIP MY FRIEND.

    Reply

  27. | Wayne Francis Snr

    Must pay my personal tribute to Delroy, he was like one of my Brothers, growing up in Kingsbury, slept at home with me and my two Brothers and my Sister, family. We went to all the Club’s in Wembley, Harlesden etc. He was talented and music was his life, hadn’t seen him since first leaving England in early 1977 for my homeland Grenada. I remember he was with us when we were associated with the other Delroy, Delroy Whittier of Success Sounds in Wembley, with Bob Marley, Carton and Ashton “Family Man Barrett long before Bob Marley and the Wailers broke into the World. May you rest in Eternal peace Delroy Washington.

    Reply

  28. | Jeffrey Richard's

    Gutted for yur loss stay strong and safe we are all thinking about yur family

    Reply

  29. | Rose.Es

    So sad to hear the news about your passing.
    You always showed me repect and kindness.

    You will be greatly missed… R.I.E.P x

    Love from,

    Rose. Es

    Reply

  30. | Samantha specterman

    May god in joy him like we all did love his tunes may he Rip xxxx Sening Big Blessings too his Famely ????????

    Reply

  31. | Alex

    Delroy was a Father to me. I call him Uncle Delroy. Community Based. Jah Warrior. Always trying to lead us. We never listen. Delroy…you were there for so many of us… you were there for me. x Sorry I let you down so many times,

    Reply

  32. | Mr k wiseman

    Original field marshal ambassador to British reggae music jah liveth in your heart.

    Reply

  33. | Priscilla

    I can remember from when I was a youth always Delroy always promoted the well being of others, the positive person he was and giving words of encouragement to us to do our best.

    RIP Delroy

    Reply

  34. | Amlak Tafari

    Delroy – Rastafari – Roots – Reggae – Washington.

    Reply

  35. | Joan

    My condolence to Delroy and is family I ment me and we talk about is love of music and things he would do for Brent to make it a nice place just live up the road.He still had I lot to give bless.

    Reply

  36. | Patrick baker

    Deeply mis my condolences to the family in this sad time

    Reply

  37. | paul louis

    what an inspiring gent mr washington was he was agent you could aripotch and he always had sound advice

    Reply

  38. | Esther Aghegho

    Another great icon has gone, may his soul rest in peace.

    Condolences to the Washington family.

    Love n Respect ??

    Reply

  39. | TenStarGeneral

    Thank you for sharing Delroy last moments. I had known Delroy since the 80s. He was like a big brother to me. He was a student of my brother Tolani Okunnu who was a grandmaster of martial arts called Kateda whom sadly died. He was always looking out for other artist other than himself. He always shared he wanted to get his music career going again. He also shared he wanted to get a blue plaque done in honor of my brother. May God rest his soul. I’m in deep shock right now.

    Reply

  40. | Isaac Burnett

    Tribute to Delroy:
    All along, Delroy Washington’s (Keith Burnett’s) involvements in music and community life testified to the fact that he was a special individual. The many heart felt tributes that are posthumously heaped upon him testifies to the heroic skills and qualities of a falcon soul.
    That he touched the lives of many is indisputable and for that matter he will be forever missed. At the end of his journey may his soul find peace in the presence ofTHE FATHER. Amen.
    Uncle Isaac (Canada).

    Reply

  41. | Sheltone Damaseke

    RIP Jah Man!

    Reply

  42. | Fiona Smith

    I am saddened to hear about Delroy’s passing. I was told today that ‘a well Artist known from Harlesden’ died and for some reason I said in my heart I hope its not Delroy Washington…Yet, I’d not seen him for almost 20 years….(I moved to America for many years, we lost contact). Then she said it…his name…The name I heard in my heart..and I see the face on the Internet and I remember our conversations when I went over to his house. Now I’m learning more about his success as I read about it online and I am sad I can’t talk to him and wish him well done for all he did. Dear Delroy Washington. I never forgot you. Thanks for all you did and was as a person. Rest in peace.

    Reply

  43. | Mega T Wilson

    As I send my Condolences out to the immediate family, Musical family and friends of the legend and icon that is the right hon Mr Delroy Washington I’ve gained a new realization of how important an individual he was mainly based on the out pouring of affection from great friends that knew Delroy far better than i, Whilst celebrating the life the great man its made me overstand that without the efforts that were forged by the hand full of pioneers that had a great deal of passion for the culture and reggae music it fills me with a great deal of admiration that delroy was at the forefront, From his early beginnings in the industry to his final hours giving so much of himself, And so many of us the will and strength to carry on his great work and for that I salute him and endeavor to support the many on going project that he inspired as well as the Artists, Producers, Promoters, Project and Event organiser and freedom stations
    Icon and Legend are title that are used very freely these day’s but in the case of Mr Delroy Washington it is truly deserved
    May the ancestor’s keep and guide you as your inspiration guides us going forward we hold you in our memories…

    Reply

  44. | Black Steel

    I’ve performed with Delroy in Devon and Liverpool in the early 1990’s with Macka B. It was my first experience and working with Delroy Washington. He use to tell me how close he was to the great Bob Marley and many more. A great friend and a great musician too. I just is Delroy Washington! You Are JAH WONDERFUL. R.I.E.P…

    Reply

  45. | Wilson family

    RIP Delroy sadly missed

    Reply

  46. | Colin Harris

    I am sadden with tears to hear of Delroy passing.

    I stayed with Delroy during his youth every School holidays for years.

    He taught me basketball, mentored me and was like a brother to me coming from a single parent family.

    As we grew apart, I always stayed in touch and remembered driving him and Family Man Barrett to West Kensington hotel for him to get financial support from Bob Marley to support his second album.

    Delroy was undoubtedly influential with my upbringing and I only give nothing but praise and love.

    May you rest in peace bro. God Bless.

    Reply

  47. | A. Houston

    The Greatest human being I ever met, always smiling and ready to help everyone.
    He help me when no one else would I just found out today. From Toronto Canada. A. Houston

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*
*

Support The Voice

The Voice Newspaper is committed to celebrating black excellence, campaigning for positive change and informing the black community on important issues. Your financial contributions are essential to protect the future of the publication as we strive to help raise the profile of the black communities across the UK. Any size donation is welcome and we thank you for your continued support.

Support Sign-up