Wycliffe Johnson, also known as Steely of the production duo Steely and Clevie, passed away on September 1st, 2009 at a hospital in Long Island, NY. The details are not very clear on the contributing factors that led to his leaving us. Most reports state that he suffered, for a long while, with an illness that affected his kidneys. Other reports claim that he passed away from Pneumonia. One thing in common throughout the blogosphere, though, is the celebration of his LIFE and his pioneering contribution to reggae music!
Steely was known for his professionalism, knack for innovation and dedication to his craft. I spent some time researching the work that Mr. Johnson did with his partner, Cleveland Browne. Here is a vid of Clevie and Steely participating in the 2005 Red Bull Music Academy in Seattle, WA.
**Note: This is a loooong vid, but there's a lot of GREAT information so Learn somn!**
One particular article stood out for me. The Jamaica Star ran an interview with Steely and Clevie on January 7th, 2005. In that article, there is a clear illustration as to why Steely will live on in our hearts as a legend: The birth of Steely and Clevie's "Sleepy Dog Riddim"
This editorial will be running in the Observer on September 2nd, 2009. The editor has some very strong feelings regarding the current direction of reggae and dancehall and how it could be saved... 'Steely' will be missed - JamaicaObserver.com
IMO, there has to be some serious reflection if we want the music to continue to grow and spread around the world. Steely's vision was not just to create a uniquely Jamaican sound. It was to create music. Period. Spending hours in the lab concocting beats means nothing if you don't have a vision for your work!
One particular article stood out for me. The Jamaica Star ran an interview with Steely and Clevie on January 7th, 2005. In that article, there is a clear illustration as to why Steely will live on in our hearts as a legend: The birth of Steely and Clevie's "Sleepy Dog Riddim"
This editorial will be running in the Observer on September 2nd, 2009. The editor has some very strong feelings regarding the current direction of reggae and dancehall and how it could be saved... 'Steely' will be missed - JamaicaObserver.com
IMO, there has to be some serious reflection if we want the music to continue to grow and spread around the world. Steely's vision was not just to create a uniquely Jamaican sound. It was to create music. Period. Spending hours in the lab concocting beats means nothing if you don't have a vision for your work!
Lots of history, and a major loss for the entire music industry.
RIP.
* Wycliffe "Steely" Johnson (r) and Cleveland "Clevie" Browne (l)
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