U-Roy, performing at Reggae Sunsplash in Montego Bay, Jamaica on Aug. 8, 1984. David Corio/Redferns hide caption toggle caption David Corio/Redferns Obituaries U-Roy, Jamaican Vocalist Who Defined Dancehall And Presaged Hip-Hop, Dies At 78 February 18, 2021 • Influenced by jazz, the Kingston-born vocalist revolutionized the art of occupying a space with his words. "Before U-Roy, no one was toasting," Grammy winner Sean Paul tells NPR.
