Died On This Date (September 1, 2009) Wycliffe “Steely” Johnson / Reggae’s Steely & Clevie
themusicsover Wycliffe “Steely” Johnson
DOB Unknown – September 1, 2009
Steely Johnson was a keyboardist and noted Jamaican reggae producer who worked with Cleveland Browne as Steely & Clevie. Formed in the late ’80s while playing on Bob Marley’s Confrontation, the dancehall production team went on to work which such artists as No Doubt, the Specials and Bounty Killer. Johnson’s first significant gig was playing with Sugar Minott during the ’70s. He also worked with Augustus Pablo and co-founded the Roots Radics. Suffering from diabetes and kidney problems, Johnson was in New York seeking treatment. He died of heart failure at Brookhaven Hospital on September 1, 2009.
Thanks to Stephen Brower for the assist.
What You Should Own
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 