Phil Pratt, one of the grassroots producers whose hit songs rocked the sound systems without mainstream airplay, died in London on February 25.

His son, Garfield “Sampalue” Phillips, confirmed Pratt’s death at age 82. He had lived in the United Kingdom (UK) for over 40 years.

Born George Phillips, Pratt was raised in West Kingston. After a period of mentorship with established producers Clement Dodd and Ken Lack, he started his career as a singer.

While his artiste career in the mid-1960s was short-lived, Pratt made the breakthrough as a producer with How Long, a song by Pat Kelly.

In the 1970s, Pratt had more hits for the Sunshot label with Talk About Love by Kelly; Strange Things and My Heart is Gone by Holt; and Artibella by Ken Boothe.

The latter was sampled by rapper Snoop Lion (aka Snoop Dogg) for La La La, his 2013 song.

Like other independent producers, including Bunny Lee and Niney Holness, many of Pratt’s productions became hits through extensive play on sound systems throughout Kingston.

Deejay Dennis Alcapone recorded a handful of songs for Pratt, including This A Butter. He recalled passing through the producer’s record shop at Orange Street in West Kingston during the 1970s.

“Phil Pratt was a very quiet person. His business place on Orange Street was near to Bunny Lee’s record shop and they were pretty close. He was a good producer who come with hits every now and then, but when him hit, him hit big,” Alcapone told Observer Online.

After migrating to the UK, Pratt opened and operated a restaurant in Harlesden, a district in north west London known for its large West Indian community.

His son followed his path into the music business. Sampalue has produced songs by many artistes including Dennis Brown, Lady Saw and Frankie Paul.

As a singer, he has recorded two albums.

George “Phil Pratt” Phillips is survived by sons, daughters and grandchildren.