Widely regarded as one of reggae’s most influential musicians, Donat ‘Jackie’ Mittoo is unknown to many in contemporary dancehall.
On Saturday, the original ‘beat master’ will be honored in a ceremony at his alma mater, Kingston College (KC).
Mittoo, who died in Canada in 1990, never graduated from KC. He left while in fourth form at age 15 to become a founding member of The Skatalites band.
The ceremony takes place at the KC Chapel where Mittoo honed his playing on the organ. His family will be presented with a symbolic school tie and a citation.
Singer Karen ‘K Vibes Brick Rose’ Morrison came up with the idea to honor Mittoo. She discovered his music while signed to Studio One, the legendary record company where the keyboardist/arranger was musical director.“Based on my knowledge of Jackie Mittoo, I just felt it is something that has to be done. You just don’t hear enough of him here,” she told the Jamaica Observer.
Morrison’s first song for Studio One, 1998’s Bye Bye Rebel, was done on the High Fashion rhythm, composed and arranged by Mittoo.
She helped stage a tribute to Mittoo in New York in 2014 with Downbeat The Ruler sound system.
Saturday’s ceremony will be attended by Tyrone Downie, former keyboardist with the Wailers. He is also a KC ‘old boy’.
Jackie Mittoo recorded profusely in Jamaica and Toronto, Canada. where he lived for 20 years. He composed or arranged some of reggae’s revered beats such asReal Rock, Hot Milk and Drum Song.
— Howard Campbell
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