U-Roy

U-Roy

U-Roy is a Jamaican reggae and dub DJ and recording artist, also known as The Originator and Hugh Roy. Born Ewart Beckford in Jones Town, Jamaica, he begins his musical career in 1961 on the sound system circuit, where he develops a distinctive deejay style that becomes central to the rise of dub. He works with King Tubby as Tubby experiments with his equipment and helps make the new sound widely popular.

His first recording, Dynamic Fashion Way, appears in 1969 on Keith Hudson’s label. He then records with a wide range of Jamaican producers, including Lee Perry, Peter Tosh, Bunny Lee, Phil Pratt, Sonia Pottinger, Rupie Edwards, Alvin Ranglin and Lloyd Daley. In 1970, John Holt takes a particular interest in U-Roy’s technique.

Working with Duke Reid, U-Roy builds further fame through singles such as Wake the Town and Wear You to the Ball. He becomes one of Jamaica’s major stars by the early 1980s and also gains notable recognition in the United Kingdom. His best-known album is Dread in a Babylon, and his song Chalice in the Palace is known for its image of smoking with Queen Elizabeth II in Buckingham Palace. His later album is Serious Matter.