Farewell to another reggae legend: Albert Griffiths, founder of The Gladiators, has died!

He left us between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, December 16th, the legendary Albert Griffiths, lead singer and one of the founders of the group The Gladiators. Together with Clinton Fearon (vocals and bass) and Gallimore Sutherland (rhythm guitar and vocals), Albert created some of the most iconic vocal harmonies in Jamaican Reggae. The group also had other founding members - David Webber and Errol Grandison. The "Gladiators" appeared in the 60s and got their name from a passenger on a bus when they were going to the studio to record. They achieved a series of hits such as "Hearsay", "Jah Works", "Dreadlocks the Time is Now", "Mix Up", and even a version of "Soul Rebel" (The Wailers). Clinton left the group in the 80s and pursued a solo career, which has been very successful to this day. Gallimore sadly passed away in 2017. Albert Griffiths continued as leader until 2004, when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a degenerative disease that took him completely out of action, preventing him from singing, composing or traveling on tour. The group continued from 2005 with his son Al Griffiths, leading a series of legendary musicians such as Clinton Rufus (guitar) and Vernon Sutherland (keyboards). According to reports from people close to him, Albert had been in very poor health for years and unfortunately this day had already been expected at some point. He will finally be able to rest in peace. It is not known whether the cause of death had other aggravating factors such as COVID, as Jamaica is one of the countries that faces great difficulties in carrying out tests. Albert would have turned 75 years old in January. The Gladiators continue with Droop Lion (nephew of one of the founders, David Webber) on vocals, Clinton Rufus (guitar), Vernon Sutherland (keyboards and melody), Andrew Bassie (bass) and Stanley "Barnabas" Bryan (drums). The most recent album "Back on Tracks" features reinterpretations of some of the band's biggest hits.

IN MEMORIAM

Check out this and other legends that have already left us, in the special section "In Memoriam".