KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican singer and record producer Derrick Harriott is dead at age 87.
WMV understands that Harriott died early Saturday morning.
Harriott, born Derrick Clifton Harriott on February 6, 1939, is celebrated for more than six decades of contributions to ska, rocksteady and reggae.
From his beginnings with the Jiving Juniors in 1958 to his successful solo career and influential work as a producer, Harriott helped shape the development of Jamaican popular music.
His timeless recordings include “The Loser,” “Solomon,” “Walk The Streets,” “What Can I Do” and “I’m Only Human.”
Through his Crystal record label, Harriott produced music for legendary performers including Dennis Brown, Big Youth, The Ethiopians, Keith & Tex, The Kingstonians and The Chosen Few.
His extensive discography includes 12 principal albums listed between 1965 and 1979, alongside at least 14 compilation projects. Among his most celebrated releases are Rock Steady Party, Psychedelic Train, The Undertaker and Scrub-A-Dub Reggae.
His achievements earned him recognition as Swing magazine’s Top Producer of 1970, the Jamaican Order of Distinction in 2009 and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association in 2019.
Harriott own a popular recording shop in Half Way Tree Jamaica and along with recordings and production work remain an essential part of Jamaica’s musical heritage, influencing generations of singers, producers and musicians around the world.
