Toronto’s close-knit reggae community, which Leroy Gibbons belonged to for many years, will salute the singer’s contribution to reggae on June 26 at the Jamaican Canadian Center in that city.

Gibbons, who lived in Canada for over 50 years, died in Hanover on June 17 at age 74. No cause of death has been given.

From Gregory Park in St Catherine, Gibbons (born Leroy Gibbon) was best known for songs like Four Seasons Lover, Cupid, This Magic Moment and Missing You. He had understated ties to gospel music, which he revisited three years ago with Heaven Bound, an EP produced by James Smith.

The Toronto-based Smith is owner of Tasjay Production which released Heaven Bound. He discovered Gibbons’ songs during his heyday of the 1980s and met him shortly after moving to Canada in the 1990s.

“I made his acquaintance when he performed at (singer) Horace Martin’s birthday party at the Jamaican Canadian Center in north York. This introduction was made possible through Horace Martin,” Smith told Observer Online. “While I do not claim to have a more in-depth understanding of Leroy Gibbons than others who have interacted with him, I noted that he was meticulous in the studio and had a deep appreciation for music, which was one of his most significant strengths.”

He added that Gibbons had a “long-held desire to create a gospel EP” because it reminded him of his youth in Jamaica when he performed with groups like The Gospel Proclaimers. Gibbons recently completed an album with that group.

Leroy Gibbons was part of Toronto’s vibrant reggae community in the 1980s. It also included Jackie Mittoo, Leroy Sibbles, Willi Williams, Johnny Osbourne and the Messenjah band.

– Howard Campbell