Jackie Mittoo facts for kids

Donat Roy Mittoo (born March 3, 1948 – died December 16, 1990), known as Jackie Mittoo, was a very talented Jamaican-Canadian keyboard player. He also wrote songs and directed music. Jackie was a key member of the famous band The Skatalites. He was also the music director for the well-known Studio One record label.

After Jackie passed away, Coxsone Dodd, who ran Studio One, said that Jackie was like an "ambassador" for their music around the world. He believed Jackie left behind an amazing musical legacy that would be remembered forever.

Jackie Mittoo's Life Story

Early Life and Musical Start

Jackie Mittoo was born in Brown's Town, Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica. He had some Indian-Jamaican family background. Jackie started playing the piano when he was only three years old! His grandmother taught him how to play.

Becoming a Music Star in the 1960s

In the 1960s, Jackie became a member of several important bands. These included The Skatalites, The Sheiks, The Soul Brothers, The Soul Vendors, and Sound Dimension. During this time, he wrote many popular songs. Some of his famous compositions were "Darker Shade of Black," "Feel Like Jumping," and "Baby Why." He also played with Lloyd "Matador" Daley in the late 1960s.

Moving to Canada and New Music

In the mid-1970s, Jackie moved to Toronto, Ontario, Canada. There, he continued to make music. He recorded three albums: Wishbone, Reggae Magic, and Let's Put It All Together. He also started his own record label called Stine-Jac. Plus, he ran a record store!

Jackie's song "Peanie Wallie" was changed into "Duppy Conqueror" in 1970. This new version was recorded by The Wailers, a very famous reggae band. Jackie's song "Wishbone" was a big hit in 1971. He often performed in lounges in Toronto during the 1970s. He also helped many other reggae musicians in the Toronto area. Jackie kept recording for Jamaican music producers, especially Bunny Lee. In 1980, he helped write "Armagideon Time" with Willi Williams. This song was later recorded by the punk rock band The Clash.

Later Years and Lasting Impact

In the 1980s, Jackie often worked with the reggae singer Sugar Minott. In 1985, he went to Ghana in Africa with a British band called Musical Youth. While there, he recorded songs for an album called Jackie Mittoo in Africa. In 1989, he briefly rejoined The Skatalites. However, he had to leave because his health was getting worse. In 1989 and 1990, he recorded his album Wild Jockey.

Jackie Mittoo went to the hospital on December 12, 1990. He sadly passed away from cancer on December 16, 1990, when he was 42 years old. His funeral was held in Kingston, Jamaica, on January 2, 1991. Many famous musicians and friends attended, including Hortense Ellis and Clement "Coxsone" Dodd. A special concert was also held to remember him, with performances by many talented artists.

Jackie's music continues to be enjoyed today. His 1966 song "Free Soul" was used in the 2006 song "Smile" by Lily Allen. In 2013, the band Superchunk even mentioned him in their song "Me & You & Jackie Mittoo."

Jackie Mittoo's Albums

Jackie Mittoo released many albums throughout his career. Here are some of his main ones:

Studio Albums

• Jackie Mittoo in London (1967)
• Evening Time (1968) – with The Soul Vendors
• Keep on Dancing (1969)
• Jackie Mittoo Now (1970)
• Macka Fat (1970)
• Wishbone (1971)
• Reggae Magic (1972)
• Let's Put It All Together (1975)
• Showcase (1976)
• Hot Blood (1977)
• Show Case Volume 3 (1977)
• In Cold Blood (1978)
• The Keyboard King (1978)
• Anthology of Reggae Collectors Series, Vol. 4 (1978)
• The Money Makers (1979)
• Stepping Tiger (1979)
• Wild Jockey (1989)

Compilation Albums

Compilations are albums that collect songs from different recordings, sometimes from various artists or different periods.

• The Original (1978)
• Moving Away (1979) – with Jah Stitch
• Plays Hits From Studio One And More (1991) – with Winston Wright
• Love And Harmony (1994) – with Jah Stitch (a re-release of Moving Away)
• Tribute To Jackie Mittoo (1995)
• Keyboard Legend (1995)
• Jackie Mittoo in Africa (1997)
• Showcase: Striker Lee (1997)
• The Keyboard King at Studio One (2000)
• Drum Song (2003)
• Last Train To Skaville (2003) – with The Soul Brothers
• Champion In The Arena 1976–1977 (2003)
• Jackie Mittoo Featuring Winston Wright At King Tubbys (2004) – with Winston Wright
• Jah Rock Style (Grooving with the Keyboard King 1976–1978) (2005)
• Jackie Mittoo Rides On (2008)

Guest Appearances

Jackie also played on other artists' albums:

• The Peacemaker's Chauffeur by Jason Wilson (2008)
• He played "additional keyboards" on three songs from Labour of Love by UB40 (1983).