The death has been announced of reggae legend Frederick 'Toots' Hibbert, founding singer of Toots and the Maytals, who has passed away in hospital in Jamaica. Hibbert, who was 77, had recently been tested for Covid-19.
In a statement, his family said: "It is with the heaviest of hearts to announce that Frederick Nathaniel 'Toots' Hibbert passed away peacefully tonight [Friday], surrounded by his family at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica.
It is with the heaviest of hearts to announce that Frederick Nathaniel "Toots" Hibbert passed away peacefully tonight, surrounded by his family at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica... pic.twitter.com/zOb6yRpJ7n
— Toots & The Maytals (@tootsmaytals) September 12, 2020
"The family and management would like to thank the medical teams and professionals for their care and diligence, and ask that you respect their privacy during their time of grief.
"Mr. Hibbert is survived by his wife of 39 years, Mrs. D, and his seven of eight children."
Toots and the Maytals, who had been scheduled to play Dublin's Olympia Theatre next September, released their first album in a decade, Got to Be Tough, in August.
The Jamaican group are best known for the hits Pressure Drop, Monkey Man and 54-46 (That's My Number). Their 1968 hit Do the Reggay is credited with giving the reggae genre its name.
Here are some of the many tributes:
The Legendary Toots Hibbert has passed i spoke w/him a few wks ago told him how much i loved him we laughed & shared our mutual respect. He was a father figure to me his spirit is w/us his music fills us w/his energy i will never forget him RIP MIGHTY & POWERFUL NYAH FYAH BALL 😢 pic.twitter.com/zIofrbYZU0
— Ziggy Marley (@ziggymarley) September 12, 2020
Toots & The Maytals - Funky Kingston https://t.co/iRNOtswHKN via @YouTube So sorry to hear of Toots Hibbert's death. His music was a constant in our house growing up via Tighten up albums. His voice was powerful and adaptable to funk, soul, country, AND reggae. Rest in power...
— Lenny Henry (@LennyHenry) September 12, 2020
Such sad news to wake up to on a Saturday morning. A beautiful man with a unique voice & a beautiful spirit is gone. RIP Toots Hibbert. Reggae legend Toots Hibbert of Toots and the Maytals dies, aged 77 https://t.co/qu8tQ30MSI
— The Selecter(2-Tone) (@TheSelecter) September 12, 2020
We are so sad to hear of the passing of Toots. A true pioneer who changed lives and brought so much joy through his music. We have lost a true legend. Your music will live on forever Fredrick Nathaniel "Toots" Hibbert.
— Trojan Records (@trojanrecords) September 12, 2020
🖤 RIEP 🖤#TootsAndTheMaytals pic.twitter.com/mxlSxDWPI5
Terribly sad to wake up to the news that Toots Hibbert passed away last night. He brought so much soul, funk & energy to ska, rocksteady & reggae. Here are Toots & The Maytals performing 54-46 at Winterland, San Francisco in 1975. The full concert is here https://t.co/YOvVIteSeI pic.twitter.com/H8MJy4oDIl
— Birmingham 81 (@Birmingham_81) September 12, 2020
We are waking up to the terrible news that Toots Hibbert passed away. A tragic loss to us all 😢
— The Skalites (@TheSkalites) September 12, 2020
Our hearts go out to all his friends, family and fans. Thank you for your life and the music you gave the world. May you Rest In Peace brother x pic.twitter.com/goYyIS19es
R.I.P Toots. X
— Skindred (@Skindredmusic) September 12, 2020
What a life, what an amazing freedom fighter and spirit lifter. This genius Toots Hibbert influenced our lives from a very early age with colours he painted in his music with such crackers as Monkey Man and Pressure Drop to name a few. His music will live on#toots pic.twitter.com/fCiyncFTFk
Devastating news about Toots. This great man of music led the way for so many. May he rest easy and his music continue to light up the World.
— From THE SPECIALS Neville Staple (@NevilleStaple) September 12, 2020
Travel well my friend!#TootsHibbert @tootsmaytals from @NevilleStaple #FromTheSpecials @SugaryStaple pic.twitter.com/uOfMA25V0O
Thanks for the incredible music and all the memories Toots. Here's one from 2010 on West Holts. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/o7st7Qknib
— Emily Eavis (@emilyeavis) September 12, 2020
