DALLAS, Texas – With heavy hearts the management and staff at the Dread at the Controls Inc. would like to inform the World of the Passing of one of Jamaica’s most Profound Reggae Star, Innovator, Producer and Entertainer, Michael “Mikey Dread” Campbell.
He succumbed to a brain tumour Friday, March 14 at his family home in Connecticut, at the age of 54.
“Mikey Dread” was the original JBC Dread at the Controls selector. He came to prominence in the 1970s as “The Dread-the-Control Tower”, the name of the late night show he presented at a time when reggae music was scoffed at by many. In 2006 they celebrated the 30th anniversary of the night program which he started at the JBC, and revolutionized the after midnight shift making it into the most popular slot on radio, by playing strictly dub music. This innovation is seen by many musicologists as the antecedence of dancehall as we now know it.
Mikey leaves to mourn his wife: Monika and their son 4 month old son Zylen Jahlight, along with 3 sons – Damian (Canada) Kevin and Michael Jr. (Jamaica) 3 daughters – Dionne (England), Nicole (Houston,TX), daughter in Belize. 2 Sisters (USA) and 2 brothers (USA). Along with a host of loving relatives/friends/and fans worldwide.
Because Mikey loved and believed in his fans so very much, they are setting up a Mikey Dread Tribute page on the – More Fyah Productions website http://morefyah.com which should be available on Monday, March 17.
It remains the company’s resolve to respect Mikey’s wishes that you – Mikey Dread fans are taken care of and will provide a space for you all to come together as one and give tribute and respect to the Rastaman we all loved.
Mikey is no longer with us in body, but remains; in our hearts and our minds always through his vast collection of music his spirit will always live on.
Mikey always said “Praise Jah Jah and live on, Jah work is not over, Jah work has just begun, Jah work is not done, Serve Jah and live up, Serve him all your life.”
Through this ordeal, Mikey remained upbeat, he lived his life to the fullest, was loved by many and in the end was surrounded in Love and was cared for by his sister, wife, nieces, nephews and brothers in Connecticut.
Mikey Dread
Link to Mikey Dread memorial tribute page to leave a message for family.
http://morefyah.com/mikeydread/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=26
