Derrick Harriott latest Jamaican music stalwart to die in 2026

Derrick Harriott, who excelled as a singer, producer and record label owner, died at his St Andrew home on October 24. He was 87. Lorna Thomas, his friend of over 60 years, confirmed his passing in an interview with Observer Online. She said he died just after midnight, less than one week after leaving Medical Associates Hospital in St Andrew. Thomas disclosed that Harriott had been ailing for some time, but his condition deteriorated since August when he was hospitalised twice. The youngest of six children, Harriott was born in Kingston and attended Excelsior High School. He got his start in music during the late 1950s as a member of The Jiving Juniors, a harmony quartet that recorded mainly American-inspired songs. That was followed by a successful solo career in the 1960s led by songs like Walk The Streets, Solomon and The Loser. Harriott also established himself as a producer with his Crystal label, which released hit songs by Keith and Tex (Stop That Train, Tonight), The Kingstonians (Singer Man), The Federals (Penny For Your Song) and Dennis Brown (Lips Of Wine, Silhouette). Lips Of Wine, released in 1968, was Dennis Brown’s first song. For many years, starting in the 1970s, Harriott operated the Chariot record store which was a hub for fans seeking hard-to-find vinyl records. It was also a popular outlet for dances, shows and roots plays on VHS. For his contribution to Jamaican music, Harriott was honoured by the Jamaican government with the Order of Distinction in 2009. He is the latest entertainment industry stalwart to die in 2026. Drummer Sly Dunbar, guitarist Stephen “Cat” Coore, singer Stranger Cole, guitarist Rupert Bent II (who played on Lips of Wine) and bass guitarist Jackie Jackson predeceased him. Derrick Harriott is survived by his 97 year-old sister, Loy Shegog; eight children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.