Country: Jamaica
Jackie Mittoo was a Jamaican musician of partial Indo-Jamaican descent, born in Brown's Town, Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica. He began learning piano at the age of three under the guidance of his grandmother. In the 1960s, Mittoo became a pivotal figure in the development of ska and reggae as a member of prominent groups including the Skatalites, the Sheiks, the Soul Brothers, the Soul Vendors, and Sound Dimension. During this time, he composed influential tracks such as "Darker Shade of Black," "Feel Like Jumping," and "Baby Why," and worked with notable producers like Lloyd "Matador" Daley. His compositions often became staples of the Jamaican music scene, including “Peanie Wallie,” later reworked by The Wailers as “Duppy Conqueror.” In the mid-1970s, Mittoo moved to Toronto, Canada, where he continued his musical career, recording albums such as Wishbone, Reggae Magic, and Let's Put It All Together. He also founded the Stine-Jac record label and ran a record store, helping nurture local Canadian reggae talent including Earth, Roots and Water, Esso Jaxxon, Carl Harvey, and others. Mittoo continued to collaborate with Jamaican producers, co-writing tracks like “Armagideon Time” with Willi Williams, later covered by The Clash. In the 1980s, he worked closely with Sugar Minott and recorded in Ghana with the British band Musical Youth, producing tracks for the album Jackie Mittoo in Africa. Mittoo briefly rejoined the Skatalites in 1989 but left due to declining health. He passed away from cancer on 16 December 1990 at the age of 42. His funeral in Kingston, Jamaica, was attended by numerous reggae luminaries, and a memorial concert celebrated his contributions. Mittoo’s legacy continued through his music, influencing artists like Lily Allen, who sampled his 1966 song “Free Soul,” and being referenced by Superchunk in 2013. His pioneering role in reggae was highlighted in the…
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