Jamaican producer Steely dies

10:05 | Wednesday September 2, 2009

Johnson, who was in his early 50s, passed yesterday morning at a hospital in Long Island, New York, after suffering heart failure.

The keyboardist first worked with drummer Cleveland “Clevie” Browne in the 1980s, playing on Bob Marley & the Wailers’ Confrontation album, while they also featured on recordings by the likes of Shabba Ranks and Nitty Gritty under producer Lloyd “King Jammys” James.

The pair scored a huge international hit in 1994 with You Don’t Love Me (No No No) as recorded by Dawn Penn. The track had been originally recorded for an album made in 1992 as a tribute to the legendary Studio One.

Among the many other countless artists Steely and Clevie worked with are Dennis Brown, Jimmy Cliff, Beenie Man, Billy Ocean and Caron Wheeler.

The pair were one of the first signings of EMI Music Publishing UK president Guy Moot who says, "He helped shape Jamaican music for decades and pioneered the dance hall sound. Every young producer in Jamaica looks up to him and he leaves a lasting legacy of great songs. An inspirational music man and good friend."