Died On This Date (December 3, 2011) Philip “Fatis” Burrell / Prolific Jamaican Record Producer
themusicsover Philip “Fatis” Burell
July 23, 1954 – December 3, 3011
Philip “Fatis” Burrell was a well-respected reggae producer, artist manager, and owner of the influential label, Xterminator Records. By most accounts, he was one of the most successful producers of the modern reggae era. Burrell’s first credit was likely as producer of Sugar Minott’s “More Dogs To The Bone” in 1984. Around that time, he also started his first label, Kings & Lions. A couple of years later, Burrell launched Vena Records where he helped launch the careers of Sanchez and Pinchers. He also released records by such established greats as Gregory Isaacs and Frankie Paul on Vena. Over the course of his career, Burrell also worked with – either as their label head, producer, or manager – Luciano, Sizzla, Cocoa Tea, Ras Shiloh, and Everton Blender, to name a few. On December 3, 2011, Philip “Fatis” Burrell passed away from complications of a mild stroke he suffered two weeks earlier. He was 57.
Thanks to Harold Lepidus for the assist.
Ragamuffin was a really cool cat whose connection to popular music goes back to the Spring of 1989 when bands like Guns ‘n’ Roses, Poison and his favorite treat, Ratt ruled the boulevards near his first home in Glendale, California. Even within those first few weeks of his life, it was quite apparent that Ragamuffin was taken with the music that constantly played throughout his apartment, and in particular, the dancehall reggae of such artists as Yellowman, Buju Banton, and Luciano. He therefore became known as Ragamuffin, a form of dancehall whose sound is primarily made up of electronic music. in 1995, Ragamuffin moved with his family to Cleveland, Ohio, the so-called birthplace of Rock & Roll and home to the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. While in Cleveland, Ragamuffin lived through the most snowfall in Cleveland history. Back in Southern California in 1999, Ragamuffin reached an international audience when he was featured in a short essay called “The Cat Doctor,” in the best selling book, Chicken Soup For The Cat & Dog Lover’s Soul. Throughout his long and healthy life, Ragamuffin survived the torment of three dogs, the 1994 Northridge earthquake, a hot drive across the country, and countless hairballs. Sadly, Raggamuffin’s health began to deteriorate as he neared 20 years old. He was laid to rest on June 9, 2008, leaving behind canine brother and sister, Marley and Nicki.