Max Romeo Passes Away
Max Romeo, a legendary figure in Jamaican reggae music, has sadly passed away at the age of 80.
This announcement came through the artist’s social media, confirming that he succumbed to heart complications in the parish of St. Andrew, Jamaica, on Friday (April 11).
“With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved Max,” the statement read. “We are deeply thankful for the overwhelming love and tributes, and respectfully request privacy during this time. Legends never die.”
Legacy of Max Romeo
An immensely influential artist, he is most fondly remembered for his hits “War In Babylon” and “Chase Devol,” the latter of which famously sampled a child prodigy from Out of Space in 1992.
Born Maxwell Livingston Smith in 1944, Romeo began his musical journey in Kingston during the mid-60s as a member of the vocal group “Emotions”. His first significant success came with the controversial single “Wet Dream” in 1968, which was banned by the BBC but became a top 10 hit, remaining in the charts for 25 weeks.
Throughout the 70s, he was closely linked with the social democracy movement in Jamaica, and his song “Let the Power Flow” was used by the People’s National Party during their successful 1972 election campaign.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCMNFX5YH28
His 1976 album “War Ina Babylon,” produced by Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, included numerous iconic tracks and was released under Island Records; it is regarded as a seminal record in reggae roots.
In 1978, Romeo relocated to New York and wrote a musical titled Reggae, in which he also performed. He also contributed backing vocals for the Rolling Stones’ ‘Dance (Pt. 1)’ on their 1980 album, “Emotional Rescue.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogyfobpwmck
Most recently, in 2023, Romeo filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group and Polygram Records over unpaid royalties dating back to 1976.
“Hearing about his passing is truly shocking,” said Romeo’s lawyer, Errol Michael Henry. “He was a quintessential gentleman and a gentle soul. His love for his family was immense, and he was a legend in his own right. It’s hard to lose someone so pleasant.”
https://www.nme.com/news/music/reggae-legend-max-romeo-dies-aged-80-3854494?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=reggae-legend-max-romeo-dies-aged-80
