Jamaican Canadian reggae singer Carol Brown is dead
THE REGGAE world is reeling from the loss of singer Carol Brown, a Jamaican Canadian who was known for her awardwinning talent. She has left an indelible mark on the hearts of music enthusiasts globally.
Brown, 70, who shared a daughter with the late keyboard legend Jackie Mittoo, died on January 31.
According to a Facebook post by Krystal Klair Mittoo, her daughter: “My mom passed away Wednesday evening. I was right beside her when it happened. She was battling stomach cancer. I need to confirm it because so many people are asking if it’s true and I can barely answer the phone. I am in so much pain. At loss for words…RIP Mom @carolbrown.”
Condolences flooded in from all corners of the music community.
Jay Douglas, veteran musician and reggae singer who’ve worked with her on numerous occasions, recalled their last job together on stage at Toronto City Councillor Mike Colle’s Black History Month celebration in 2023.
“Carol Brown contributed to reggae in a positive way as a foundation singer.
“Like Bob [Marley], Tosh [Peter], Burning Spear, Jacob Miller, Leroy Sibbles, John Holt, and all those early artistes made and recorded reggae music with a spiritual touch, and that’s what took reggae to the forefront. Carol was one such person, as they all had that one thing in common,” he reminisced during a telephone interview.
Brown’s life began in Port Antonio, Jamaica, where she embarked on her musical journey at age 14 ,when she would perform locally, winning talent shows, and was a part of the duo The Loving Sisters in the ‘60s. She was also the resident female singer with The Tornadoes.
In 1972, Brown migrated to Toronto, Canada, to pursue her solo career. Though she would eventually return to her Jamaican roots and reunite with The Young Experience, formerly The Tornadoes, her influence extended far beyond national borders.
The impact of Carol Brown’s talent spread even further. Her singles, such as Touch Me Baby, I Won’t Hurt Your Feelings and Feel So Good, secured her a place on the British reggae charts. Recognising her exceptional contributions, Canada bestowed upon Brown the titles of Top Female Performer and Top Female Reggae Singer at the Canadian Reggae Music Awards throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Douglas added that her cover version of the popular UB40 song, Moonlight Lover, was one of her memorable tunes.
“She was a very articulate lady; well spoken,” he said, alluding to the fact that she had spent some years in England before moving to Canada.