Excerpt from Jamaica Observer column published 14 September 2020
By: Jean Lowrie-Chin
Jamaicans everywhere are deeply moved by the passing of Frederick Nathaniel ‘Toots’ Hibbert, our favourite brother whose voice was joy itself, and whose music danced us through decades of ups and downs. Major media houses here and abroad have been carrying obituaries and features on our charismatic Toots. It was serendipitous that it was he who named the reggae beat: indeed, he personified the happiness of a rhythm that gladdened our hearts and captivated the world.
His Festival songs had us on our feet: “Bam Bam”, “Sweet and Dandy” and “Pomps and Pride”. His entry in this year’s Festival Song contest was the message of a patriot: “Eternal Father bless our land with justice, truth and rights – Won’t you rise up Jamaica stand up Jamaica with love and justice for all / Let us build our nation from the foundation of love/ … We are all God’s people, we should live as one.”
His “Monkey Man” entered the UK charts in the seventies, bringing him to the attention of the world but already we had been jumping to “54-46 was my Number” and “Pressure Drop”. Toots showed his soulful side with a ringing rendition of “Country Road, Take Me Home.” His brilliance moved such celebrities as Eric Clapton, Keith Richards and Willie Nelson, who were featured on his album “True Love”.
In an interview with the Guardian’s Miranda Sawyer, perhaps his last, he noted that he still worked a six-day week, from 10am to 8pm. “Writing songs is so hard to do: I’m not easy to please,” he shared. Of his new album, “Got to be Tough”, he said his message is, “Don’t take life for granted, be careful, be strong.”
Toots Hibbert shared a Trench Town address with his close friend Bob Marley and often shared with him the stage and back-up bands. Ziggy Marley posted on social media: “The legendary Toots Hibbert has passed. I spoke with him a few weeks ago, told him how much I loved him – we laughed and shared our mutual respect. He was a father figure to me – his spirit is with us, his music fills us with his energy. I will never forget him. RIP MIGHTY AND POWERFUL NIAH FIAH BALL (tears emoji).”
We send condolences to Mrs Dorothy Hibbert, his wife of 40 years and his children, and we give thanks that we still have his music to sing us through these challenging times. Rest in peace, beloved Toots Hibbert.
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