John Holt Dies Aged 69

Reggae legend, John Holt, died aged 69 on Sunday.

The well-loved vocalist, who sang the original version of Blondie’s hit track The Tide Is High, passed away in a London hospital.

His death was confirmed by his manager to the Jamaica Observer Online as he said: ‘John died at 2:40 am English time'.

John first found success as the lead singer of reggae group, The Paragons, replacing original frontman Leroy Stamp after making a name for himself on the talent show circuit.

 After leaving the group in 1970 to focus on his solo music career, John penned the song ‘Stick By Me’, his most successful solo effort, which was the biggest selling Jamaican record of 1972.

Throughout his music career he became loved for his slower and more romantic take on reggae music.

John had been battling ill health for a lengthy period and collapsed on stage during a performance at the One Love concert in London, after which he underwent surgery and was recovering in Britain.

Famous fans across the globe shared their sorrow at the news as soul singer Beverley Knight wrote: ‘After learning of John Holt's death earlier, I now learn that the wonderfully warm Lynda Bellingham has succumbed to cancer. Gutted. RIP. Xxx’.

‘Thank you for the legacy and the great music. The 1st number one reggae billboard hit was "tide is high" by blondie .. Written by John holt!’

UB40 added that Holt was a "massive inspiration and will be sorely missed".