Daddy U-Roy was crowned King of all DJs this past weekend in New York City. Ewart Beckford aka U-Roy was born in Jones Town, Saint Andrews Parish, Kingston, Jamaica, on 21 September 1942.The legendary 77 year old Jamaican entertainer has been doing reggae music 58 years. This conscious Rastaman has been there from the start and is accredited for spawning Hip-Hop and has been hailed by DJ Cool Herc ( Iconic Pioneer of Hip Hop) for doing so. U-Roy used to sing and DJ (toast) with King Tubby's Home Town Hi-Fi, Stereophonic Sound System and most notably started his own Stur Gav Sound System in 1978 named after his sons.
He first started work in1961 on Dickie Wong's sound system then moving later to the Sir George the Atomic sound. Later he went to work for Sir Coxsone Dodd's sound system controlling the number #2 set while King Stitt controlled the number #1. Moving on to recording Beckford's first single "Dynamic Fashion Way" 1969 was a Keith Hudson production. It was followed by the Lee "Scratch" Perry production "Earth's Rightful Ruler" with Peter Tosh.
On December 1 at the Amazura Night Club in New York City Shabba Ranks had the honor of crowning one of his idols.
See video below.