Article Author:
Bang Showbiz
Independently selected. Postmedia may earn affiliate commissions from purchases made through links on this page.
Musical Youth drummer Frederick Waite Jr. has died at the age of 55.
The 1980s musician fell behind his No. 1 hit "Pass the Dutchie" recently featured on Stranger Things.
Waite said he died in Birmingham in July and the band was heartbroken to announce the news on Wednesday.
In his Facebook statement, they added, along with a photo of Frederick in his youth: him and his family during this sad time. We have lost a musical legend who has inspired many young musicians over the last 40 years.
The reggae band formed in the West Midlands in 1979 with the fathers of Frederick Waite and Patrick Waite and fellow brothers member Kelvin Grant. Formed by Michael Grant.
The band made history when the 1982 release of "Pass the Dutchie" became a huge hit, selling five million copies and becoming the first black group to air his music video on MTV. I made. Michael Jackson a few months.
Waits' death follows his older brother Patrick, who died at the young age of 24 in 1993 from a hereditary heart condition.
Recommended Video
Among the throngs of adoring fans included the band UB40.
"R.I.P JR. How sad to hear this news. Our thoughts go out to his family and Musical Youth. Big love. UB40." In a post on.
Musical Youth teamed up with Donna Summer on the hits "Youth of Today," "Never Gonna Give You Up," and tracks titled "Unconditional Love." He was also known for his collaborations.
Their "Pass the Dutchie" hit, an adaptation of "Pass the Kouchie" by Jamaican act The Mighty Diamonds, is a reference to passing through cannabis pipes.
The band was formed by Waits' father, Frederick Waite his senior, who was in his band Reggae.
Frederick's brother Patrick played bass, Waite Sr. sang until he decided he needed a younger frontman, Slot moved to Dennis Seton, and brothers Kelvin and Michael Grant completed the line-up.
The latest headlines, stories, opinions and photos from the Toronto Sun will arrive in your inbox at noon from the newsroom.
Thank you for registering.
Welcome sending his email. If you don't see it, please check your spam folder.
The next issue of Your Midday Sun will arrive in your mailbox shortly.
