Ska
R.I.P. Toots Hibbert, Reggae Pioneer and Frontman of Toots & The Maytals Dies at 77
Frederick Nathaniel “Toots” Hibbert, founder of the pioneering reggae group Toots & the Maytals, has died at the age of 77. Hibbert had been hospitalized in his native Kingston, Jamaica after contracting COVID-19. He passed away Friday, September 11th, surrounded by family, according to a statement. By incorporating elements of Jamaican ska and rocksteady alongside traditional gospel, soul, R&B, and rock & roll, Hibbert is widely credit as being one of the originators of the reggae genre. In fact, Toots & the Maytals’ 1968 single “Do the Reggay” was the first song to use the word “reggae” and would ultimately give the genre its name. In the early 1960s, Hibbert formed The Maytals alongside fellow vocalists Henry “Raleigh” Gordon and Nathaniel “Jerry” Mathias and i...
Toots and the Maytals Singer Toots Hibbert Hospitalized in Intensive Care Unit
Toots Hibbert, leader of Toots and the Maytals, is in the intensive care unit at a Jamaican hospital. Hibbert’s family confirmed his hospitalization in a statement, noting that he is awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test. Fortunately, they say Hibbert “is making positive progress” and “is showing signs of improvement by the hour.” While reports of Mr. Hibbert being in an intensive care unit at a private facility in the Corporate Area are true, the family would like to assure those concerned that he is making positive progress and is receiving the best possible treatment, while he awaits the results on his COVID-19 test. He is resting and in good spirits, and is showing signs of improvement by the hour. His family has asked everyone to hold him in their prayers, and would like to thank th...
Toots and the Maytals Send Out a “Warning Warning” on New Single: Stream
Reggae legends Toots and the Maytals will return next month with their first proper album in over a decade, Got to Be Tough. After offering fans a peek at the record with the title track, the group is now sharing a new single titled “Warning Warning”. Much like “Got to Be Tough”, this new song continues to showcase leader and founder Frederick “Toots” Hibbert’s enduring commitment to social justice issues. On “Warning Warning”, Toots specifically calls on us to not only recognize the corrupt systems at play in 2020 — such as those upholding racism and white supremacy — but to also remember to stay focused on the fight against them, no matter how long it takes. “I’m giving you a warning/ Don’t take it for granted,” Toots advises on the song. “I want to ask everyone to keep their focus in th...
