The late DJ Don Dread Admirers pays tribute to Him

by John Gwynn
(USA)

Dj Don Dread

For the past 30 years, listeners looking for their fix of cutting-edge reggae and dancehall music knew that the only person to turn to was DJ Don Dread. Every Saturday morning, without fail, they could tune into 89.3 WUMD for the station's "Roots Radical" program, led by this local champion of reggae music. What became a ritual to some was born of the sheer love of music that DJ Don Dread loved to play for people.

On July 17, 2012, the airwaves became a little quieter when Don Dread died of a brain tumor only a year after he had been diagnosed.

"He was extremely loved by DJs and everyone he played for," recalls Sista Laura, a DJ on Dread's "Roots Radical" program. "It's so sad because even though the show continues, some listeners don't know that he passed."

Tonight, friends and listeners will throw a celebration for the legendary Don Dread at No Problemo in downtown New Bedford. The show will begin at 10 p.m. as DJs from all over come together to pay tribute to a man who spent his life sharing with people his love of reggae and dancehall music.

READ MORE ABOUT DJ DON DREAD