King Stitt one of Reggae music's pioneer died at age 72

by DRW
(Jamaica)

King Stitt the reggae artiste who's birth name is Winston Sparks died on January 31, 2012 at his home in Kingston, Jamaica.

Stitt died after a long fight with prostate cancer and diabetes, said Jamaican musicologist Bunny Goodison, who was a close friend to the performer for more than 50 years.

King Stitt is credited as one of the earliest performers of "toasting," also known as deejaying that directly inspired hip-hop music.

He is best known for songs like "Paradise Plum" and "Fire Corner." He was a close collaborator of the late music producer Clement "Sir Coxsone" Dodd, who ran the celebrated Studio One and guided Stitt's career for years.

May his soul rest in peace. Will be surely missed by the dancehall and reggae music industries.