Delroy Wilson died on this day in 1995 at age 46. He began his recording career at thirteen, while still attending Boys Town Primary School releasing his first ska single, “Emy Lou,” in 1962 for record producer Clement “Coxsone” Dodd.
His early years with Coxsone yielded several other ska hits, including “Joe Liges” and “Spit in the Sky,” both written by Lee Perry as attacks on rival producer Prince Buster.
At Studio One, Wilson’s early years were marked by a rivalry with Prince Buster, where he delivered scathing musical attacks aimed at his competitor. Wilson once commented, “I was the missile that could get rid of Buster.”
Despite his significant contributions to Jamaican music, Wilson had been overlooked for national honors for years. However, in 2013 he receive a posthumous national honor for his unparalleled impact.
Wilson’s influence spanned three decades, from the 1960s to the 1980s, covering various genres such as ska, rocksteady, reggae, and dancehall. Before the rise of iconic figures like Bob Marley and Dennis Brown, Wilson served as an inspiration and mentor to many in the industry. His songs often reflected personal experiences, notably capturing the complexities of relationships and life’s struggles.
Despite facing personal challenges and frustrations, including health issues and a decline in his career, Wilson’s impact remained undeniable. His music continues to be celebrated, with many of his rhythms serving as blueprints for future generations of artists.
As ska transitioned to rocksteady in the late 1960s, Wilson’s voice matured, producing hits like “Dancing Mood,” “Jerk in Time” (with The Wailers), “Feel Good All Over,” and “Riding for a Fall.” He recorded for various labels after leaving Studio One, enjoying success with tracks like “This Old Heart of Mine” and “Better Must Come” produced by Bunny Lee. In 1972, his song “Better Must Come” was chosen as the election campaign song for Michael Manley’s People’s National Party.
Throughout the 1970s, Wilson collaborated with numerous producers, including Joe Gibbs, Gussie Clarke, Winston “Niney” Holness, Harry J, and Joseph Hoo Kim. In 1976, his cover of The Wailers’ “I’m Still Waiting” gained popularity, followed by the album Sarge, considered one of his strongest. Despite a decline in the early 1980s, his career revived in the digital age with releases for King Jammy and Bunny Lee.
The Clash paid homage to Wilson in their 1978 track “(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais,” with the lines “Delroy Wilson, you’re a cool operator.”
Wilson passed away at Kingston’s UWI hospital in 1995 due to complications from cirrhosis of the liver.
In 2013, he was posthumously awarded the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican Government.
Wilson has over 26 albums and 15 compilations
