Emergency work disrupts water supply in St Ann 2:41 PM
Water woes for St Andrew and St Catherine 2:32 PM
Samuels century leads Windies fightback 1:18 PM
Bolt clocks pedestrian time to win Ostrava 100m 1:03 PM
Churches raising money to fight gay marriage 12:20 PM
Escaped prisoner back in custody 12:06 PM
News
IRIE FM's creator Karl Young dies
Friday, June 11, 2010
BUSINESSMAN Karl Young, who created and owned Jamaica's first-ever, all-reggae radio station, IRIE FM, died yesterday from a lung-related medical condition, his family said.
Young died following surgery in Chicago, USA.
Known as 'Chief', Young revolutionised the reggae industry with a 24-hour format that enabled IRIE FM to become the most popular station islandwide over the last decade.
Launched on August 1, 1989, IRIE FM today stands as a testament to Young's will, character, spirit and originality that saw him going on to launch another successful radio station, ZIP 103 FM, which has emerged as one of the island's most popular media entities.
Young's career has been characterised by innovation dating back to his days as owner and operator of the Kon Tiki Restaurant in St Ann's Bay in the 1960s.
He soon moved into the entertainment business by establishing 'Boonoonoonoos Nights' at the Pineapple Hotel in Ocho Rios in the 1970s, which was later moved to White River. He has also been credited with being a major influence in turning Ocho Rios into a tourism hot spot.
Young also operated the Basement Night Club, where all major local acts performed.
Montego Bay also benefited from his hard work and vision with the 'One Night Boonoonoonoos Beach Party' on Friday nights.
In the 1980s, as all-inclusive hotels started to dominate the tourism scene, Young ventured into music production with Grove Music, which recorded Grammy-winning albums The Little Mermaid and Calling Rastafari by Burning Spear.
Young was loved and respected for his genius, wisdom, happy nature, infectious wit and overall character.
 
|
POST A COMMENT
You must first register and then login to be able to post a comment.
HOUSE RULES
1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper – email addresses will not be published.
2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.
3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.
4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.
5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.
6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.
7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, and before commenting you need to register, conveniently, by clicking the link above.
6/12/2010
more power to irie fm
6/12/2010
may his soul rest in peace
6/11/2010
condolences to the family. Chad, you are young and strong the baton is yours, there's no doubt you'll take dad's work to higher heights. R.I.P. Mr Young. thanks for the strength and courage that you've given me. you will never be forgotten and sadly missed.
Fr: Passion and Jah Regg Band.
6/11/2010
Condolences to the family, friends and employees of this pioneer in the true sense of the word. Irie FM was a bold step back in the day when R & B was the dominant music on local radio. R.I.P Chief, you will be greatly missed by all who knew you and benefited from your talents.
6/11/2010
Condolences to Mr Young's family. He was the most caring employer and will be sadly missed. Rest in peace my dear, dear friend.
6/11/2010
Condolences to Mr Young's family. No words can express how much he will be missed. Rest in peace.
6/11/2010
Black Music Promotions, regret the passing of a reggae music Icon. He had dedicated his life to the marketing / promotion of reggae music.
"Chief" will never be forgotten. Our condolence goes to his family and STAFF at IRIE FM.
6/11/2010
IRIE FM was started in August 1990.
RIP and farewell my friend Karl. You are an example of courage and commitment to our beautiful country and people.
We will miss you dearly.
6/11/2010
May God bless is soul my condolence goes to his family
Other Stories
Jamaica can't afford a stimulus budget — Phillips
7 comments
23.4b Tax grab - Gov't targets extra revenue
7 comments
Canada pumps $62m into Ja’s polygraph programme
0 comments
7 comments
Vendor says GCT reduction not enough
0 comments
Tax measures the death knell for tourism — Cummings
5 comments
Teen killed for laughing at man who fell from bicycle
0 comments
Shaw says taxes will hit small businesses
2 comments
Tax measures pose tougher environment for businesses
0 comments
CDA: We are working on implementing places of safety recommendations
0 comments
Suitcase death accused couple remanded again
0 comments
PEPPER POT: The strangest bedfellows
0 comments
KPH staff do free Labour Day surgeries
0 comments
0 comments
Man gets 30 days for oral sex beating
0 comments
Air passengers willing to pay US$10 enviro tax, study says
0 comments
VIDEO: 'Busy Signal' waives right to extradition hearing
0 comments
0 comments
Emergency work disrupts water supply in St Ann
0 comments
Water woes for St Andrew and St Catherine
0 comments
RSS Feeds
