Godfather of Dancehall, Sugar Minott, dead at 54

BY YASMINE PERU

Monday, July 12, 2010

FOUNDATION reggae and dancehall artiste, Lincoln 'Sugar' Minott passed away Saturday night at the University Hospital of the West Indies in St Andrew.

According to Peter Burke, a close associate of the singer, Sugar Minott had complained of feeling ill on Saturday and was taken to the hospital where he died at minutes after 10 pm.

"Sugar had a heart condition and it was about a year and a half ago that he got the first scare. He was in Canada at the time and I was with him. But as soon as the flutters subsided, Sugar was back to being his old self. That is just how he is," Burke told the Observer.

"This is just so sudden and unexpected. Sugar Minott has made a major contribution to the music business ... he was truly an icon and I am going to miss him tremendously," Burke said,

Sugar Minott, who was born Lincoln Barrington Minott on May 25, 1956, earned for himself the moniker Godfather of Dancehall. He is credited with being the pioneer, who, by laying vocal tracks over the original tapes from the '60's, rather than using a live band -- as was the norm in those days -- caused a revolution in the sound that brought a new style to Reggae music known as dancehall.

A prolific songwriter and singer, Sugar Minott is has over 60 albums and is known for such anthems as Herbsman Hustling, Mr DC, House is not a Home, No Vacancy, Good Thing Going and Never Gonna Give Up Jah.

The veteran singer also distinguished himself as a talent scout/producer and early on in his career established his Black Roots label, which led to the creation of a sound system and a company, Youthman Promotions, to give young artistes a "buss". Artistes such as Little John, Triston Palmer, Barry Brown, Tony Tuff, Junior Reid, Yami Bolo, Don Angelo, Tenor Saw, Nitty Gritty, Garnet Silk who did his first recording for the Black Roots label, Tony Rebel, Colorman, Daddy Freddie, Johnny Osbourne, Steve "Shalom" Harper are among those who passed through Youthman Promotions.

On hearing of his passing, singers Freddie McGregor, Johnny Osbourne and Leroy Sibbles reportedly volunteered to do a spontaneous tribute at the Rose Garden in Brooklyn New York, where Sugar was scheduled to perform last night. Minott also reportedly had gigs in California later this week including the popular Reggae on the River on July 18.

The Reggae music fraternity has been rocked by a number of deaths in recent months. Minott's death follows on the heels of IRIE FM founder Karl Young and Voicemail member O'Neil Edwards.

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COMMENTS (13)

ras don rico
7/15/2010

Sugar: Wi Love and Raspect fi yu done cook-and-curry, long time, roots. RIP.
There’s a lesson in the work and struggle of this Inimitable, Indomitable Reggae Lion, Lincoln “Sugga Booga” Minott” who essentially created, branded, sustained, and protected the authenticity of the modern dance-hall music vibes ‘gainst all manner of thuggery and f**kry (academic, political, and social)…a lesson especially pertinent to those academicians, such as Carolyn Cooper, who need fi overs that "irie-guard-less

ras don rico
7/15/2010

claudette morris
7/15/2010

tribute to mr dc ,the original sugar minott rest in peace and my condolences to the minott family.blessed love.

Terri Larsen
7/12/2010

Always humble, always kind, always talented in all ways. Love to you my brother, RIP. The Good Lord took you way too soon. I know you are up there jammin' with Brother Bob, Joseph Culture, and Mother B. Peace, Sista T.

Wharf Dawg
7/12/2010

"They give me pennies for my songs"... The original Sugar Minott who brought a sweetness to the dance hall that set the stage for its acceptance as a serious music genre.
Rest in Peace Mi Lion!!

Fortis Purples
7/12/2010

"No Cup No Coffee No Dash way". RIP in peace Sugar.
Lots of people did not know that Sugar was a top class goal keeper in 70s. Played Major League for Maxfield Park, and also played for KC Extension winning many trophies.

The Emperor
7/12/2010

Jah will never give you up! you have performed your works and the world and a number of individuals are better off as a result. may the family and close friends of mr. minott find the strength and courage to carry on and may his soul rest in peace.
Blessed Love

Anancy Bedward
7/12/2010

Herb a this herb man hustlin, bright and early in the mornin. Herb a this a herb man hustlin,I know Sgt brown is waiting... RIP Sugar Minott you could really sing bro. Talent and genuine love of the game like yours is very rare today.

Melek Khan
7/12/2010

Sugar Minot the great entertainer, songwriter,producer, a&r, entrepreneur, RIP, You never give JAH up, Your music inspires me and will for the rest of my Life.

Sherman Escoffery
7/12/2010

Thank you Lincoln "Granulated Sugar " Minott for your contribution to the music. Here was a good artist who also opened the gate for many other good artist who would not have been known if it wasn't for Minott's Youthman Promotions. One of his popular song is "Give me A Slice Of The Cake that I Help To Bake" . He still had to fight for his slice as a veteran because Ja. Music now rewards hype & mediocrity over real work & talent but rest assured that Minott's work will stand the test of time.

cindy wilson
7/12/2010

RIP Sugar Minott, You have held a place in history by having 3 songs in Jamaica Top 100 songs of all times: Mr DC, No Vacancy and Herbsman Hustling.
Cindy Wilson.

danzela chin
7/12/2010

RIP .Blessed.

mike w
7/12/2010

God bless Sugar...you were one helluva artist. RIP Bredrin..Jah Live!

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Godfather of Dancehall, Sugar Minott, dead at 54