Wycliffe Johnson better known as Steelie passed away today in a NY hospital. Just a few days ago, a media report indicated that he was suffering from pneumonia and was in critical condition at a New York hospital. His long-time musical partner Clevie Brownie had reportedly said that the chance of his survival was slim; and so it was. Condolences to the family, friends and associates of one of the most outstanding and influential producers of dancehall music ever.

He started his musical journey as a keyboard player for Sugar Minott’s Youth Man Promotion in the late 70’s. Steely and Clevie first played together in the 70’s at Lee “Scratch” Perry’s Black Arts Studio, then by 1986 they were working at King Jammy’s Studio. Steely & Clevie launched their own label during the mid-eighties when Jammy’s was the center of the new sound in reggae music (computer based rhythms).

During the reign of Jammy’s during the mid-eighties Steely and Clevie composed a large majority of the instrumentals for Jammy’s label. The production duo worked with some of the biggest names in Reggae and Dancehall music from two time Grammy winner Shabba Ranks, Maxi Priest, Tiger, Foxy Brown (Jamaican 80’s singer) Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Cocoa Tea, and Dennis Brown etc. Steely and Clevie continued to make hits in the 90’s creating the super popular Street Sweeper, Ice Pick, Bitter Blood and Bad Weather Rhythms. Steely and Clevie are the composers of the undeniably the most popular dancehall instrumental known as the “Punnany Riddim” which was produced by King Jammy. This instrumental has been sampled and re-used more than any other Dancehall track.

Wycliffe “Steely” Johnson contribution towards Jamaica’s music and culture is priceless. He has helped to create what we now enjoy as Dancehall music and made way for the new generation of Dancehall/Reggae music producers. With more than three decades of solid hits Steely has an enviable repertoire and is a true legend of Jamaican music.

RIP STEELIE

Gone but not forgotten

 

 The Punnanny Riddim: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download