Musical Youth drummer Frederick Waite Jr. has passed away at the age of 55.
Frederick died in Birmingham on his July 20th, and the band announced his obituary on Thursday. No cause of death has been announced.
Musical Youth wrote in a statement: He has inspired many young musicians over the last 40 years. ''
British and Jamaican reggae his band formed in Birmingham, England in 1979.
They are best known for his 1982 single "Pass the Dutchie." This made him number one on multiple charts worldwide and was recently featured on Stranger Things.
image:
Andre Csillag/REX/Shutterstock)Fans expressed their condolences.
One wrote:
Another addition: ``R.I.P. Gave it to me on Friday.I went to Lumberlows in Bromsgrove and bought&for myself.Thank you for the memories of my childhood."
47} The band paid tribute to Frederick in a statement
A third fan spoke out: "Really sad to hear this. You have been a big part of my life and have been with me.My deepest condolences.” ) and Patrick Waite formed a band featuring their sons.
The band made history by becoming the first black artist to have a music video played on the newly formed channel MTV.
Getty Images)
They went on to have a string of hits, but commercial success plateaued after 16 final hits in 1984. Plans for a reunion of 75}
's Musical Youth came to a halt in February 1993 when Patrick Waite died suddenly at the age of 24 after collapsing at his home from a hereditary heart condition.
Former member Kelvin Grant has continued his solo career, most recently releasing his 2018 album Defend Them.
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