Yabby You (Born Vivian Jackson)
August 14, 1946 – January 12, 2010
Yabby You was a Jamaican street hustler turned reggae singer and producer who came on the scene during the 1970s. He released his first single “Conquering Lion” in 1972 under the name, Vivian Jackson & the Ralph Brothers with King Tubby producing. The song and subsequent album of the same name afforded You enough of a fortune to set up shop as a producer of other reggae artists. He went on to work with the likes of Michael Rose, Big Youth, and Dillinger. You continued to perform, record and produce, albeit at a slower pace, through the early part of the 21st century. Malnutrition as a teenager lead to severe arthritis, necessitating his use of crutches and limiting his mobility as he grew older. On January 12, 2010, Yabby You died following a brain aneurysm. He was 63.