Danny English, the gruff-voiced deejay who had a big 2002 hit with Party Time alongside Egg Nog, died at Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) on January 23.

He was 54 years old.

His son, Andrew Cox, told the Jamaica Observer that Danny English was admitted to KPH on January 19 after experiencing flu-type symptoms.

Cox said his father was a diabetic for 10 years and had been receiving dialysis treatment for kidney problems.

Born Donald Cox, Danny English hailed from the Waltham Park community of the Corporate Area. He started recording songs while attending Camperdown High School and cut his teeth as a performer on several sound systems in the Waltham Park/Maxfield Avenue region.

His breakthrough came in 2000 with Bun, produced by Rupert Blake on the rhythm of the same name.

Two years later, Danny English teamed with Egg Nog for Party Time, one of several hits on producer Steven “Lenky” Marsden’s massive Diwali rhythm.

Despite his illness, Danny English remained active as a recording artiste, releasing songs such as Steppin’ In da Club and Wine Baby Wine, which both featured Egg Nog. Last year, he did a well-received set at the popular Dancehall Thursday show in Kingston.

Danny English is survived by 23 children, seven brothers, and four sisters.

— Howard Campbell