Hugh Roy, is one Ewart Beckford aka U-Roy or Daddy Roy. the father of all Jamaican Deejays, the originator, the first and in many people's opinion, the best!

Many of his ealier recordings have him down as Hugh Roy, and some even confuse him with follower Deejays like Hugh Roy Junior for example.

U-Roy toasted over classic Rocksteady Rhythms at Treasure Isle and broke Deejaying big time in Jamaica, despised by many singers as being nothing more than a man talking on the Mic, his Deejaying was originally thought to be a flash in the pan novelty, however nearly 40 years later we're all still listening to him and Ragamuffin Deejays of course!

Africa Bambaata credits U-Roy and Jamaican Deejays with the invention of Rap, however the tradition of priase singing can be traced back to West Coast African Griots and it's possible that the original Toasters, like Count Machukie, may have been part of an even older tradition.

In actuality U-Roy merely developed a style and bust it wide open by 'Toasting' through the whole tune over the backing or Version of the original, Deejays had been enlivening performances for years with intros, dedications and 'Peps' like Prince Buster's noise effects over Ska tunes.

If you like U-Roy, check out U-Brown and Ranking Joe, Admiral Bailey, I-Roy and even his great rival Prince Jazzbo.
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