Died On This Date (May 18, 1999) Augustus Pablo / Reggae Great
themusicsover Augustus Pablo (Born Horace Swaby)
June 21, 1953 – May 18, 1999
Augustus Pablo was a popular reggae musician and producer who was unique in that his instrument of choice was the melodica, or “blow-organ,” which was up until the late ’60s, primarily used to teach music to school children. Pablo began making records in 1971, with one of his earliest, “East Of The River Nile,” being a minor hit. By the end of the decade, he released numerous hits and collaborated with the likes of Bob Marley, Horace Andy, King Tubby, and Hugh Mundell. Throughout the last two decades of his life, Pablo recorded less, but produced more hits by the likes of Junior Delgado. He also continued to be a popular concert draw around the world. Augustus Pablo was 44 years old when he passed away on May 18, 1999. He died as the result of a collapsed lung brought on by a nerve disorder he had suffered from for quite some time.
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