Roots Reggae Veteran Yabby You Dead at 63

The reggae community has been hit with another tragedy as Vivian Jackson, better known as Yabby You, passed away Tuesday at the age of 63. Throughout his illustrious roots career, Jackson defined himself by his iconoclastic behavior--and iconic music. While his peers were all of devout Rastafarian faith, Yabby accepted the lifestyle, but rejected the creed, opting instead for a strong Christian faith that eventually earned him the nickname "Dread Jesus."

After struggling with health problems exacerbated by the dire poverty he mired in throughout his youth, Yabby eventually came to Kingston where he found reggae. His first album, 'Conquering Lion,' is widely regarded as nothing short of a masterpiece, a dark work that somehow strikes a precarious balance between traditional reggae tropes and the artist's own religiosity. And his 'Jesus Dread (1972-1977)' compendium is now a must have for any reggae fan's shelf. Yabby You was, if nothing else, unique. Unquestionably, he will be missed.