Friday, December 28, 2012

Lloyd Charmers Passes Away at 74

According to an article in the Jamaica Observer, Lloyd "Charmers" Tyrell suffered a heart attack and died in London on Thursday, December 27, 2012 at the age of 74. Charmers was a key ska and early reggae singer, songwriter, keyboardist for acts such as The CharmersThe UniquesThe Hippy Boys (when they worked for Lee "Scratch" Perry, he also named them The Upsetters; in addition, The Hippy Boys recorded with Max Romeo), and Lloydie and the Lowbites--as well as a producer for Ken Boothe ("Everything I Own") and Marcia Griffiths ("Play Me").

Charmers is perhaps best known for the classic "rude reggae" track "Birth Control," later adapted by The Specials for "Too Much Too Young" (which--as all 2 Tone fans know--advocates the use of condoms).

Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.

Update: There is a terrific tribute to Charmers on the Trojan Records website.

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