Leroy Gibbon, the singer who made his name during the 1980s with dancehall versions of classic soul songs, died on June 17 in Hanover. His friend of 45 years, fellow singer Leroy Brown, confirmed his passing.

The artiste was 69 years old.

Brown told the Jamaica Observer that he last saw Gibbon two weeks ago when he came to see him at his St Andrew home.

He said Gibbon recently completed an album with The Gospel Proclaimers, with whom he performed during the 1970s.

Gibbon, who lived in Canada for nearly 50 years, was from Gregory Park, St Catherine. He is known for songs such as Magic Moment, Cupid, and Missing You, originally done by The Drifters, Sam Cooke and Diana Ross, respectively.

He performed his rendition of Magic Moment in the 1988 movie, Cocktail, which starred Tom Cruise.

After doing several shows in Toronto with the Gospel Proclaimers during the late 1970s, Gibbon settled in Canada, where members of his family lived.

With Brown and Roy Reynolds, he formed The Roys, a harmony group that performed throughout Toronto. The trio recorded several songs including Mind How Yuh Walk.

Gibbon went solo in the early 1980s, with a cover of Kenny Rogers’ Lady being one of his initial releases. In the mid-1980s he hit the big time with Magic Moment and Cupid.

He was one of few reggae artistes based in Canada who made an impact in Jamaica during that time, others being Johnny Osbourne and Willi Williams.

“He was a good all-rounder, nice bass singer, and great tenor. Wi had a lotta good times in di early days,” said Brown, who also lived in Canada for many years.

Gibbon performed at Rebel Salute in St Ann in January, and with The Gospel Proclaimers at Arise2025 which took place at the National Arena on Easter Sunday.

— Howard Campbell