Aside from the coronavirus pandemic, we are still incurring some iconic loses this 2020, so sad!
The legendary reggae singer and songwriter Bob Andy died after a short illness, aged 75. He was a recognizable figure in reggae as he had many of the timeless hits that we still sing and play to date. Such as a hit version of Young, Gifted, and Black as part of the duo Bob and Marcia.
His collaborator on the song above, Marcia Griffiths, confirmed his death. She told the Jamaica Observer he passed away on Friday 27 March at 8 am.
Marcia was quoted saying to Observer as she reports about his death in tears: “Yesterday, I did a video call with him,” she said.
Meanwhile, Bob wasn’t only prolific in singing or writing songs for himself; he as well wrote songs that would be recorded by reggae stars. He wrote songs for artists like Delroy Wilson, Ken Boothe, and Gregory Isaacs. Likewise, several solos for Marcia, although their partnership ended when she joined the I Threes, Bob Marley’s group of backing vocalists.
Moreover, the reggae song “Too Experience” got so famous all because of Bob Andy; he originally wrote the song for Delroy Wilson but found a handful of success in it for himself.
From the late 1970s onwards, Bob Andy would put music to one side as a result of health issues he suffered, including migraines. He diverted into acting, where he became an A&R for the Tuff Gong Records, the label founded by Marley. However, he later returned to music in the 1990s as his health improved. 2006 saw him awarded an Order of Distinction by the Jamaican government for his services to Music.
Back in 2011, a tribute concert was held in honor of Bob Andy’s music and life in Kingston, Jamaica. Today, many artists and fans are paying tribute to him after his death for an illustrious career!
The reggae icon will always remain in our hearts and books of history. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Amen!
