Information/Write-up
Donat Roy "Jackie" Mittoo (March 3, 1948 – December 16, 1990) was a Jamaican-Canadian keyboardist, composer, and musical director whose influence on ska, rocksteady, and reggae is both foundational and far-reaching. A child prodigy, Mittoo began playing piano at age four under the guidance of his grandmother. By his early teens, he was performing professionally with local bands in Jamaica.
At just 15, Mittoo became the musical director at Studio One, Jamaica's premier recording studio, under producer Clement "Coxsone" Dodd. There, he played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of Jamaican music, contributing to countless recordings and working with artists like The Skatalites, The Soul Brothers, and The Soul Vendors. His compositions, such as "Darker Shade of Black" and "Feel Like Jumping," became reggae standards.
In the late 1960s, Mittoo emigrated to Toronto, Canada, where he continued to influence the music scene. He recorded albums like Wishbone and Reggae Magic, and collaborated with Canadian reggae artists, helping to establish the genre in his adopted country. Mittoo also founded the Stine-Jac record label and operated a record store, further promoting reggae music in Canada.
Mittoo's legacy endures through his extensive discography and the countless musicians he inspired. His work remains a testament to his talent and his role in bringing Jamaican music to a global audience.
-Robert Williston
Written by Jackie Mittoo
Produced by Carl DeHaney
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