To anyone familiar with the Waterhouse community of Kingston, Jamaica, Osbourne “King Tubby’s” Ruddock was a colossal figure who helped shape the sound of reggae music.
On March 27, 2021, that working-class neighborhood pays tribute to the legendary dub engineer and producer who was murdered at age 48 in February 1989.
Dubbed “Sound System Club Presents – Firehouse Crew and Friends Tribute to King Tubbys 31 Years Since his Passing”, the virtual event is scheduled for King Jammy’s studio in Waterhouse, close to where the King reigned for over 20 years.
Paul Scott, Tubby’s protege, and former business manager is the chief organizer of the star-studded show.
“This event is very important to me; close to my heart. I was the managing director of King Tubby’s Music Ltd and had a very good working relationship with King Tubbys. He was such a great and humble man. A very good boss one of the best I have ever worked for,” said Scott.
A graduate of Wolmer’s Boys High School, Scott worked for Tubby’s from March 1988 until his tragic death in April the following year. It was a remarkable period for him as he not only learned the intricacies of music production but the business side as well.
“His achievements and work without question has paved the way for reggae music across the world. He is on par with Bob Marley and his influence can be felt across the world. This is why this event is important to me and an appreciation for what he has done for the music and the people of Waterhouse,” Scott stated.
Performing via live stream from King Jammy’s studio will be:
- The Firehouse Crew
- Dean Frasier
- Thriller U
- Anthony Redrose
- Courtney Melody
- Duane Stephenson
- Autarchii
- Lutan Fyah
- Turbulence
- Miriam Simone
- Jahbar I
- King Jammys Sound System and full Crew.
The Firehouse Crew, which formed at King Tubby’s studio, will be releasing a dub album, “Tribute to King Tubby”, exclusively for the event.
Osbourne Ruddock defined the sound of reggae music in the 1970s with a combination of creative engineering techniques and imaginative production touches.
He worked with like-minded musicians/artistes such as Augustus Pablo, Yabby You, and Linval Thompson, as well as progressive producers like Glen Brown and Bunny Lee.
Sound System Club and the Firehouse Crew are adamant “Tribute to King Tubby’s” will be an annual event.
It will also mark the start of a lobby for King Tubby’s to be recognized nationally by the Jamaican government.
