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Monday, March 17, 2008

This is an Official News Release from the “Dread At The Controls, Inc.”

MIKEY DREAD PASSED AWAY Michael Campbell (aka “Mikey Dread) our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2008 with his wife and family by his side. For those who would like to join us in remembering the wonderful memories of Mikey Dread, you can call or write to:

Monika Campbell,
99 Lawn Avenue
Stamford, CT 06902
Tel: 203–353-1448

All other sources of information are not accurate. For the most current and up to date information contact the above name and phone number.
Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.
The Campbell Family

Jamaica Observer:

Radio disc jock Mikey Dread is dead. He succumbed to a brain tumour late yesterday afternoon at his family home in Connecticut, USA at the age of 54. Born Michael Campbell in Port Antonio, Jamaica, he distinguished himself as an extraordinary studio engineer and presenter at the now defunct Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) where 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.

One of reggae’s greatest innovators and original radio engineers/technicians, the past student of Titchfield High School, in 2006 celebrated the 30th anniversary of the night programme which he started at the JBC, and revolutionised 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.