Roots Archives Forum

I have found myself wondering who is the oldest living (in physical form, all you Rasta existentialists out there) reggae artist.
Is it Scratch, Toots, Alton?

I know Bunny Wailer, Winston Rodney, and Jimmy Cliff are moving on in years but don't think they are quite as old as the above. Let me know if anyone has any insight.

!

A lot of great artist there. Maybe I should trim down my question to people who performed reggae at some point in their career(sans the strictly ska and rocksteady performers) and who were singers/ frontmen.

!

Derrick Morgan, Owen Gray, Stranger Cole, Byron Lee, Rico, Skully and Skatalites members they all made reggae at some point in their career.

So, who's the oldest?

I was thinking more of singers but would be interested in hearing about any of the musicians.

Anyone know the answer?

Before anyone adds info to this post.......Yes, I know that half the people listed above are singers (D. Morgan, S. Cole, Owen Gray,). Still wondering who is the oldest living reggae singer or musician?

Jason the answer is buy the rough guide to reggae.

Lion

I can tell you that Rico is 72 and Derrick Morgan is turning 67 next week. The oldest must be between Lloyd Knibb, Johnny Moore, Lloyd Brevett or Carlos Malcolm. You can find out searching the internet for biographies.

Thanks PF,

I have been trying to narrow it down but couldn't be sure. Your info will really help.

Here are some that are in this category:
Lee Perry - 71 ??????
Cornell campbell- 58 or 59
Toots Hibbert- 60 or 61
Alton Ellis- 62 or 63
Bunny Wailer- will be 60 on Apr 10
Burning Spear/Winston Rodney- 58 or 59

A lot of artists are easier to find info about but the ones you mentioned will take some research. A friend of mine and I were talking about all the young (and often violent) deaths in reggae being almost comparable to modern hip-hop/ rap. I stated that reggae did have a lot of elder statesmen who can still surprise even this far on. Thus the list got started. Anyone else have any info?