The funeral service for Donat Roy Mittoo, popuarly known as Jackie Mittoo, was held at the the National Arena in Kingston, Jamaica after Mittoo succumbed to cancer on 16 December 1990, at the age of 42.
A Jamaican-Canadian keyboardist, songwriter, and musical director Mittoo became a prominent figure in various musical groups in the 1960s, including The Skatalites, The Sheiks, The Soul Brothers, The Soul Vendors, and Sound Dimension. Notable compositions from this period include “Darker Shade of Black,” “Feel Like Jumping,” and “Baby Why.” His collaboration with Lloyd “Matador” Daley in 1968 and 1969 added to his musical repertoire.
Originally from Brown’s Town in Saint Ann, Mittoo’s musical journey began at an early age when he started learning to play the piano under the guidance of his grandmother.
Jackie was only 15 years on when Studio One’s Coxsone Dodd appointed him as its musical director in 1963.
Mittoo’s involvement with Studio One was prolific, playing on nearly every record produced by the studio in the ensuing years. His role extended beyond playing the keyboard, as he often arranged and refined songs. His influence extended to some of the most iconic reggae tracks, including Freddie McGregor’s “Bobby Babylon,” Alton Ellis‘ “I’m Still in Love with You,” and Marcia Griffiths’ breakthrough hit. His 1970 composition “Peanie Wallie” was reinterpreted by the Wailers as the popular “Duppy Conqueror.” Mittoo’s innovative rhythm arrangements from the 60s served as the foundation for subsequent artists, studios, and the early 80s dancehall movement, including Augustus Pablo and Channel One.
In the mid-1970s, Mittoo migrated to Toronto, Canada, where he recorded three albums – “Wishbone,” “Reggae Magic,” and “Let’s Put It All Together.” Additionally, he established the Stine-Jac record label and operated a record store. Mittoo’s influence extended beyond his solo career as he collaborated with other reggae musicians in Toronto.
His legacy includes the reworking of “Peanie Wallie” into “Duppy Conqueror,” recorded by The Wailers in 1970. Mittoo’s impact continued into the 1980s, marked by collaborations with Sugar Minott and a trip to Ghana with the British band Musical Youth in 1985.
Dennis Seaton of Musical Youth recalled how their 1982 hit song “Pass The Dutchie” came with the help of Jackie. “Jackie Mittoo worked with Sugar(Minott) as well. He helped UB40 with their first ‘Labor of Love’ album and provided us with musical arrangements. We didn’t realize he was one of the original writers of the riddim ‘Full Up,’ which led to the ‘Pass The Dutchie Riddim’ with him and Leroy Sibbles. Jackie and I share the same birthday, and he toured Ghana with us,” Dennis said.
Mittoo briefly rejoined The Skatalites in 1989 but left due to declining health. He recorded “Wild Jockey” for Lloyd Barnes’ Wackies label in the same year.
Throughout his career, Mittoo left a lasting imprint with his compositions and performances. His song “Free Soul” with The Soul Brothers found its way into Lily Allen’s 2006 song “Smile.”
In 2013, Superchunk paid homage to him in their song “Me & You & Jackie Mittoo.” Mittoo’s extensive discography includes albums like “Evening Time,” “Macka Fat,” and “The Keyboard King.”
His contributions to reggae music are commemorated in various compilations, including “Tribute to Jackie Mittoo” and “Keyboard Legend.” His impact on the global music scene remains evident, making him a revered figure in the history of reggae.
