Max Romeo, the Jamaican reggae legend whose soulful voice and socially charged lyrics defined an era, passed away Friday at 80 due to heart complications, per hotpress.com. Born Maxie Smith, Romeo’s classics like “Chase The Devil” and “War Ina Babylon” cemented his status as a roots reggae pioneer.
Romeo burst onto the scene in 1965 as lead singer of the Emotions, but it was his 1968 solo hit Wet Dream that sparked global attention. Despite a BBC ban for its cheeky lyrics, the song climbed to the UK Top 10, lingering in the charts for 25 weeks. His 1976 album War Ina Babylon, a roots reggae masterpiece, featured “Chase The Devil,” later sampled by the Prodigy and Kanye West, echoing Romeo’s influence across genres.
In the 1970s, Romeo’s music intertwined with Jamaica’s social democracy movement. His anthem “Let the Power Fall” became a rallying cry for the People’s National Party during the 1972 election. After relocating to New York in 1978, he co-wrote and starred in the musical Reggae and lent backing vocals to the Rolling Stones’ Dance on their Emotional Rescue album.
“Max was a gentle soul and a true legend,” said his lawyer, Errol Michael Henry. “His love for family and music was unmatched. This loss stings deeply.”
Romeo’s provocative yet poetic songwriting captured hearts worldwide, blending rebellion with hope. His work remains a cornerstone of reggae, inspiring generations. He leaves behind a rich catalog and a family mourning the man who sang truth to power.
•Featured image by Peter Verwimp
