Foundation reggae legend Toots Hibbert dies

The man who birthed the word reggae and helped introduce this powerful genre to the world, Toots Hibbert, has died, age 77.

The Grammy-winning frontman of Toots & the Maytals had recently been hospitalized with COVID-like symptoms and slipped into a medically-induced coma. Toots’ family confirmed his passing in a statement on Saturday morning.

Hibbert was a true reggae trailblazer, coining the word for Jamaica’s most renowned genre thanks to Toots & The Maytals’ 1968 hit, Do The Reggay. The band was known for smash hits such as Pressure Drop, 54-46 Was My Number and countless others. They won the 2004 Best Reggae Album Grammy for their True Love album.

S.I.P legend 🙌🙏😇