Stranger Cole, Ska and Rocksteady Pioneer, Dies at 83

Stranger Cole, a foundational voice in ska and rocksteady music, has died at 83. The Jamaican singer, celebrated for iconic tracks such as "Bangarang" and "Just Like A River," passed away on Thursday at the University Hospital of the West Indies. His son, drummer Wilburn “Squiddly” Cole, confirmed his father's death, stating he had been admitted to the hospital two weeks prior after a prolonged illness.

Born in Portland, Jamaica, Cole moved to Kingston as a child, immersing himself in the vibrant Trench Town music scene of the early 1960s. This era saw the birth of ska, and Cole quickly became a notable artist. His early hits, "Rough And Tough" and "When You Call my Name" (with Patsy Todd), were produced by the legendary Duke Reid. He later collaborated with keyboardist Gladstone Anderson on "Just Like A River" and Lester Sterling of The Skatalites for "Bangarang."

Beyond his own recordings, Cole played a crucial role in nurturing other talents. He co-wrote and produced "Oh My Baby," the debut song for the popular group The Mighty Diamonds. In the early 1970s, Cole relocated to Toronto, Canada, becoming an integral part of the city's burgeoning reggae community. His time in Toronto was later documented in the 2018 film "Ruff and Tuff, Stranger Cole’s Toronto Roots."

Stranger Cole's influence extended internationally, with a loyal following in Australia and Europe, evidenced by his six shows in Australia last December. He is survived by seven children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that shaped the sound of Jamaican music.

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His father was admitted to hospital two weeks ago after ailing for some time, but did not disclose a cause of death.